*CDSL Chairman, Donal Magee. Photograph: Joe Buckley
SHANNON’s Donal Magee has been returned as Chairman for the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) while the positions of Fixtures Secretary, PRO, Registrar and Asst Secretary remain vacant.
Twenty eight club delegates attended Monday’s AGM of the CDSL which took place at Treacy’s West County Hotel.
There were no contests for any of the positions on the CDSL Committee which allowed all officers to be elected in one full swoop with President Robert Clancy of Kilrush proposing their election en bloc.
As first reported by The Clare Echo, David O’Grady (fixtures secretary), Eoghan McNulty (PRO), Nigel Bradish (registrar) and Flan Hehir (asst secretary) have all stood down from their posts. McNulty and Bradish were present for the meeting with apologies issued by O’Grady and Hehir for their absence.
Bridge Utd’s McNulty though not elected as PRO could well yet continue in the role with officers including Chairman Magee among those keen for him to remain involved with the CDSL Committee.
Speaking at the AGM, Magee stated he would continue for “one more year” as he wished all clubs well for the coming season. He will also remain as Munster FA delegate.
Secretary Carolann McDonald who took on the post following last year’s AGM was elected to continue for another season.
Two former Chairmen of the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer, Ronnie Pyne and Frank Gormley will continue on the CDSL Committee as Vice Chairman and Treasurer respectively.
Paul Fitzgerald (Women’s Officer), Paul Kennedy (Youth Liaison/Child Protection), Chris Harrington (Committee) and Jimmy Houlihan (Committee) were all returned to their respective posts.
Both officers and clubs acknowledged that the demands associated with the post of Fixtures Secretary are very high.
Aaron Bradley of Ennis Dons suggested that two individuals take on the responsibility with one officer in charge of fixtures for the Premier and First Divisions with another official looking after the Second and Third Division. “We’ve had four fixtures secretary in five years,” he flagged. “David O’Grady did a great job but I’d say he was getting texts on his wedding night about fixtures”.
How clubs are communicating with the Fixtures Secretary is an issue, flagged committee member Jimmy Houlihan. “Nobody should be texting fixtures secretary, there is a platform”.
Chairman Magee admitted they had discussed the suggestion raised by Ennis Dons. “We will try to get somebody,” he said while encouraging more representation from clubs on the CDSL. “Getting two people would half the load,” Bradley responded. “I thought I had somebody but they got such abuse before they said they would never do it again”.
Secretary McDonald said clubs need to respect the decisions made by the Fixtures Secretary. “This position often does not receive the recognition or respect it deserves,” she noted. “At times difficult decisions have to be made and it is not always possible to satisfy everyone”.
CDSL Officers 2026/27
Chairman: Donal Magee (Shannon Town Utd)
Vice Chairman: Ronnie Pyne (Turnpike Rovers)
Secretary: Carolann McDonald (Shannon Olympic)
Asst Secretary: None
Treasurer: Frank Gormley (Avenue Utd)
Registrar: None
Fixtures Secretary: None
PRO: None
Grants/Compliance Officer: None
Women’s Officer: Paul Fitzgerald (Corofin Harps)
Youth Liaison/Child Protection: Paul Kennedy (Connolly Celtic)
Munster FA Delegate: Donal Magee (Shannon Town Utd)
Committee: Chris Harrington (Coole FC)
Committee: Jimmy Houlihan (Shannon Hibs)
