*Deirdre Shannon Dromey. Photograph: Natasha Barton
CLARE’s first ever female Chairperson of the CSSL has said she took on “too many roles” which prompted her decision not to seek re-election.
On Monday, Deirdre Shannon Dromey bowed out as Chairperson of the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) after two years in the hotseat. In December 2022 she became the first woman to be elected as CSSL Chairperson.
Speaking at the AGM, the Ennis woman expressed her desire that everyone “had a great season and have achieved their goals”. She said player numbers were increasing in the county and the overall quality of work was also rising, “we’re here to support coaches and volunteers to deliver on their requirements”.
She admitted, “the past three months have been exceptionally challenging, I’ve encountered many obstacles which have had a profound effect on me and it has factored my decision”.
On top of the role of Chairperson, she ended up with many additional duties including ETP co-ordinator, cup shield co-ordinator, girls festival co-ordinator, kit manager, fundraising and sponsorship, fixtures secretary and PRO. Deirdre reflected, “I felt I took on too many roles, I tried to delegate but unfortunately it didn’t transpire”.
Securing new sports capital grants and getting additional sponsors on board has left the CSSL in “a very healthy position,” the Hermitage FC member outlined. “Transparency is key to the success of the CSSL and hopefully that will continue,” she stated. She added, “the league remains in a very strong financial position, without the generous support from people we would not be in a very strong position”.
Tommy Molloy’s departure from the CSSL Committee was “greatly missed” during the season, Deirdre said while praising the Avenue Utd clubman’s “many years of commitment, presence and guidance”.
At the 2023 AGM, she recalled, “Eoghan McNulty was appointed fixtures secretary but unfortunately he was not in a position to fulfil the role, Conor Twomey resumed the role and took over and in July I took over the role, Conor did his best to train me up and without the support of Conor Twomey I don’t think there would be a CSSL”. She praised Brian O’Grady who became fixtures secretary for the girls section of the CSSL.
With almost 1600 games played in the season it was “a very challenging year for the league,” Deirdre said. 42 teams are still active in the National Cup “which is a record for the CSSL,” she flagged.
Emily Bradbury’s work as secretary was praised by Deidre, “as she has experienced it commands huge commitment, she managed to do a tremendous job, she has done marvellous work and has done an extraordinary amount of work”.
A commitment to develop players remains within the CSSL, Deirdre maintained while praising the work of Irene Hehir, Denis Hynes and all Emerging Talent Programme coaches. She thanked all players for their contribution to the CSSL and congratulated those who have made the step up to higher levels.
“I appreciate the season has dragged on a little but tha was due largely to reasons outside our control such as the weather and shortage of referees were factors,” she stated while noting the important role held by referees in the county.
Kilmihil’s Pat Daly a former committee member who died in March was remembered by the outgoing Chairperson. “He was a great personal friend to me, he was a great teacher when I started off with the CSSL thirteen years ago, he was one of the best”. She also voiced well-wishes to Corofin’s Joe Slattery who is a nephew of committee member Cathal Jones following his recent life-changing accident.
Concluding her address, Deirdre said, “I hope the committee has carried out its tasks to satisfaction” She concluded, “I hope the CSSL can continue to help each other and the respective leagues, thanks for your time and keep enjoying the football”.
During the AGM, she was presented with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her work. Incoming Chairman, John O’Malley at the start of the meeting remarked, “as you all know Deirdre is stepping down” to which she corrected, “I am not stepping down, I am not going forward”.
Secretary Emily Bradbury commented, “there is always a place for Deirdre within the CSSL family, she has done us proud as the first female Chairperson. She is an asset to the league and people don’t realise the amount of work she has put into the development of soccer”.
