*Martin O’Brien. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
NO CONTESTS are expected at the Annual General Meeting of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) but a former referee is set to join the ranks of the county committee.
Jason Ryan is to be returned for what will be his third year as Chairman of the CDSL at Monday’s AGM which takes place at The West County Hotel. The Kilrush man is nominated by Coole FC, Hermitage, Kilrush Rangers, Fern Celtic, Bridge Celtic and Corofin Harps.
Following the resignations of Fixtures Secretary Eoghan McNulty in November and PRO Jim Madden in March, new officers will be appointed to the respective roles. McNulty stepped down four months after assuming the role along with committee member Ger Kelly over controversy surrounding the draw for the Hugh Kelly competition taking place without the prior knowledge of the CDSL committee or clubs.
Madden cited the manner in which disciplinary sanctions were issued following the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup clash between Newmarket Celtic A and Avenue Utd B as the background for his exit. “I have served on the CDSL for twenty odd years and I just wasn’t enjoying myself in the role anymore,” he previously told The Clare Echo.
Gort’s Emily Bradbury is set to become the only female member of the CDSL Committee. The Coole FC woman will take on the role of Youth Liaison/Child Protection Officer, it was not filled during the season or at last year’s AGM with the Chairman fulfilling the duties.
Retired referee Martin O’Brien is nominated to succeed McNulty as Fixtures Secretary. He has been put forward by Bunratty Cratloe. The Ennis resident has recently retired from An Garda Síochána and is a respected figure within Clare soccer circles. McNulty was nominated by Coole FC with current Secretary Denis Collins put forward by Corofin Harps but neither are reported to be standing.
Collins of Ennis Town FC will instead continue in the post of secretary for a third season.
Dean Russell who currently runs the CDSL’s social media accounts is nominated for PRO. The Shannon native is also proposed for Fixtures Secretary but has withdrawn from the race. Former General Election candidate, Richard Cahill and Madden are also proposed for PRO but are unlikely to let their names go forward. Russell has managed Rineanna Rovers and Bunratty/Cratloe in recent seasons.
Cahill instead will become Grants and Compliance Officer. Russell who sits on the CDSL Executive as a committee member presently is nominated in that capacity again, as is Michael Leahy and Jimmy O’Brien.
Ronnie Pyne, Tony Downey and Eddie Crowe will all be returned unopposed as Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Registrar.
Donal Magee and Mickey Guilfoyle who were appointed as Munster FA Delegates at last year’s AGM will enter the roles for a second season and face no competition.
A vacancy is likely to remain in the role of Women’s Officer, Frank Burke was replaced following last year’s AGM by Brendan Browne who is said to have informed officers that he will not be able to carry out the role next season. Browne had been Fixtures Secretary prior to McNulty’s election last July.
Robert Clancy, Michael McInerney and Michael Leahy will continue as Honorary Presidents of the CDSL.
Rhine Rovers are to propose no games under the CDSL’s control take placen over the Bank Holiday weekend in October and the Easter period. They are also asking that club secretaries be furnished with the minutes from all delegate meetings within seven days of them taking place.
Kilrush Rangers have tabled two motions, one seeking the season start on the first Sunday in September for all teams and another for the CDSL to hold its own version of the FAI Junior Cup.
Avenue Utd are seeking a number of rule changes including publishing August fixtures in advance of the start of the season, keeping teams involved in the Clare Cup final free from other fixtures seven days in advance and after the decider, for seven days notice to be given for any play-off fixture, not to have the same referee for more than two consecutive matches and for a referee who may have played with, managed or coached a club in the CDSL to not be appointed to any of their fixtures.
Amendments to rules and increasing powers of the CDSL Committee are among a number of recommendations to be put forward by the sitting officers.
