Report on the Address By Tommy Lyons

Tommy Lyons made a humorous address but first he  thanked Naomh Olaf for what he described as the hand of friendship extended to Kilcamcud by sharing pitches on the eve of the football, hurling and camogie all Ireland finals. He expressed great satisfaction that natural inter-club rivalry does not prevent the GAA community from acting as one big co-operative family with the shared objective of supporting gaelic games.

He poked a little fun at Pat Spillane and Joe Brolly of “Sunday Game” fame as follows by asking. “How do we know that Pat has 8 all Ireland medals and 8 all star awards?. We know because he tells us every night on the Sunday Game. And Joe Brolly is a member of the famous Derry one in a row team”. He bemoaned the fact that commercial pressure for TV ratings sometimes brings out negativity. Sadly, it is now necessary to be controversial to preserve the TV ratings. Sound-bites are now king but it is at the expense of objective match analysis.

He spoke with passion about the need to preserve voluntary effort within in the association. During the celtic tiger era, many were too busy to give time to club activities like coaching and club management. Voluntary effort has now returned – a much preferred mode of support than writing a cheque. The celtic mouse has restored volunteerism, historically the key ingredient underpinning the success of the association.  “Which of you” he asked  “as a volunteer would be happy to raise funds to pay a coach €100 per night rather than to buy footballs and sports gear”? He suggested that the counties who had won the most are the ones who have always had volunteer managers.

He ended his speech with a surprise comment by critising play-station overuse. He said there is evidence that using a play station before training or a match reduces a players ability to concentrate.  As a result, his players are banned from using a play station prior to training or a match.

Finally he thanked Naomh Olaf for inviting him to speak and was delighted to visit and support a neighbouring club. A bit thank you Tommy for giving of your time and entertaining us on the night

  John Conners winner of the minor hurling award and Ursula Maher accepts her 30 year award from Tommy Lyons