Cahill highlights concerns around future of rural clubs in Cavan

GAA news

“The future of many of our rural clubs is shrouded in doubt.”

That was the stark message from county board secretary Martin Cahill in his annual report to the county convention as he highlighted the growing issue of depopulation and the difficulties obtaining planning permission.

Cahill praised the work of Demographics Officer Eirinn McKiernan and raised concerns about a number of matters.

“Unfortunate circumstances affecting two of our weaker clubs brought the difficulties in fielding teams right to our doorstep,” Cahill wrote.

“Our association is in a state of change at present with a number of clubs experiencing massive growth whilst others are experiencing or will experience serious difficulties.

“Anecdotally, quite a number of clubs in our county have up to 50% of their players travelling back to play with their home club and whilst this is very laudable, it is not sustainable and the long-term survival of these clubs is debatable.

“The future of many of our rural clubs is shrouded in doubt as the cost of and approval process to create a home in rural Cavan is prohibitive – this is a problem all our clubs and we as a county board need to consider as we plot the future of our organisation.”

The secretary, who is also full-time Head of Operations, described the current county Junior Football Championship as “a source of concern” and suggested a change to the structure may be needed.

In a comprehensive address to the annual convention, Denn clubman Cahill raised qualms about the current status quo in the competition.

“Our Junior Championship is a source of concern with a number of mismatches and in reality only a very limited number of teams in a position to gain ultimate victory. The Shield competition, won by Killeshandra, brought great enjoyment and some positivity to that club; however, serious inquiries exist that will require review and examination – potentially a linear Junior A, B or C championship with clubs finding their own level would be the best mechanism, although I know this will be contentious.”

Cahill described the U20 footballers’ campaign as “a disappointing campaign leaving many frustrated – U20 is a very hard grade to manage at and whilst I acknowledge that the competition structure changed for the better in 2024, the preparation constraints remained the same.

“Player welfare is obviously a concern but I fail to see the difference in the ‘exposure’ associated with a training session rather than a real game – all it does is drive activity underground with the officials being kept out of the loop, creating a poor culture.

Regarding the minors, Cahill noted that their management team “would probably acknowledge a certain degree of under-achievement with the outcome of this year’s campaign with a sense of opportunity lost albeit that we played a lot of games and reached an All-Ireland final.”

Regarding the Senior Football Championship and the controversial playing of the final in adverse weather conditions, Cahill wrote: “The final unfortunately will be better remembered for the weather conditions that prevailed rather than the brilliance of the performance. That won’t matter much to the people and players from the ‘Lough who adapted better to the prevailing conditions than their east Cavan rivals.”

Cahill highlighted some “dubious refereeing decisions” as Crosserlough lost to Kilcoo “in controversial circumstances.”

“I accept the plans are ambitious, however, the original plans for Breffni Park 100 years ago were ambitious by prevailing standards of the time. However, they set the tone for all of us who followed and we must do the same for those who will follow us.”

Cahill revealed that he, Kieran Callaghan, and Mark O’Rourke visited all clubs in September and requested they make their facilities available to one of the county teams for training or a game on one occasion in each of the months of January, February, March, and April.

“The process was hugely worthwhile as it also gave clubs an opportunity to discuss matters directly with us and afford us an opportunity to see the extensive developments that have happened in many clubs in recent years.”

Over half of clubs have made their facilities available, he confirmed.

Regarding the Breffni Bash, Cahill revealed that Cavan had been “talking and speculating” about hosting concerts “for a long number of years.”

“Contact has been made with major promoters, site visits arranged, and positive feedback received – yet nothing ever became of it all.”

Cavan decided to press on with their own event last June.

“The event was an overwhelming success in terms of venue, facilities, and of establishing Kingspan Breffni and Cavan as a venue, however, the event made a modest profit mainly due to the sponsorship of Donal Keogan.

“There was huge goodwill from most clubs towards the concept with an abundance of stewards on all nights. The whole weekend was good fun, had a great atmosphere but it’s a massive gamble – maybe we have the hard work done and next year will be easier – only time will tell.”

Elsewhere, Cahill paid tribute to world handball champion Paul Brady for his “Rocky-like return” and described him as “without equivocation, Cavan’s greatest ever sportsman.”

Cahill concluded by passing on sympathies to those who lost loved ones and thanking outgoing officers and sponsors.