Molloy is new schoolboys chairman

Clare schoolboys/girls soccer has a new chairman. Ennis native Tommy Molloy, a member of Corofin Harps club, was elected to the position at Monday’s annual general meeting, beating the holder Ronnie Pyne on a vote of 35 to 28.
The election of officers came near the end of a three-hour meeting, which attracted a huge attendance. According to the outgoing chairman Pyne, “This is the biggest attendance at an AGM since I came on the committee over 10 years ago.”
The only contest was for the post of chairman and after his election Molloy thanked the club for their support before promising that he “will work with all and I will answer my phone”.
Former chairman Frankie Gormley is the new vice-chairman. He was the only candidate for the post after Tom Egan withdrew while Leonard Meaney had indicated in advance that he would not be seeking re-election to the committee this year.
Davy Kerin (secretary) from Avenue United and Flan Hehir (treasurer) from Lifford ladies’ club were unanimously returned to these positions for another term.
Elected onto the committee were: Martin Hehir (Connolly Celtic); Ronnie Pyne (Park United); Tom Egan (Avenue United); Corey Phelan (Bridge Utd); Irene Hehir (Lifford); Colm Mounsey (Corofin) and Kieran O’Dea (West Clare Utd).
The duties of registrar and fixtures secretary will be allocated at a committee meeting next week.
In his address to the meeting, Mr Pyne paid tribute to the committee for the unbelievable amount of work they do.
“There was a time when it was a six-month job but now its 12 months a year and it’s all voluntary.
“In addition, many are involved with their clubs as well,” he said, before paying tribute to Lifford AFC on celebrating their 50th anniversary and Connolly Celtic on their 25th. He also made a presentation to Lifford secretary John O’Neill.
Continuing, Pyne said the role of fixtures secretary is one of the most difficult in the league. “I am not in a position to call off games. I have fallen out with many people because of fixtures. The committee make the rules and not me. Maybe it’s time for someone else to do this job. There were 22 walkovers last year and some of them could have been avoided,” he said.
Treasurer Flan Hehir presented a detailed financial statement, which showed the total income at €129,409.59 and the expenditure at €62,046.21.
A separate account dealing with county squads showed an income of €60,918.23 and an expenditure of €50,232.89. Secretary, Davy Kerin also presented a detailed report on the year’s affairs.
During the meeting, Pyne referred to the EGM, which was held a week earlier, at which the league’s new rulebook was adopted.
“There are people who might like to get involved but who are not members of schoolboys’ clubs and they will no longer be allowed to serve on the committee. Clubs should have a look at this again and see if there is anything they can do,” he said.
Moneypoint’s Pat Tarrant said, “These rules were discussed just one week ago and any questions should have been asked that night.”
Tulla’s Denis Corry added, “The AGM has the power to change a rule. It was very hastily done last week.”
Treasurer Flan Hehir told the meeting, “We have always had two or three independent of clubs on the committee.”
The majority view at the meeting was in favour of the decision taken at the EGM.
A proposal by Mark Moloney (Hermitage) to co-opt Michael Guilfoyle onto the committee was withdrawn when the outgoing SFAI delegate declined. “The rules are such that I cannot be on the committee, as I am not a member of a schoolboy club, and I will abide by the rule,” Mr Guilfoyle said.