Abbeyfeale, Saturday. The need for restructuring the Limerick County Board with a stronger focus on Gaelic athletics seems to be gaining recognition. This recognition has grown beyond isolated complaints from a few neglected districts, highlighting the flawed practices employed in the administration of Gaelic affairs in the county. While the Executive Council is widely seen as responsible for the shortcomings in upholding the values and spirit of the Association, local parish committees, who have the primary responsibility of selecting representatives, cannot be entirely excused for allowing apathy and indifference to erode our Gaelic traditions and diminish one of our rural amusements.
Engaging in a back-and-forth of accusations, although intriguing in controversy, is not the most effective way to restore our pastimes to their former glory. Therefore, any suggestions that contribute to improving the situation should be more practically embraced than engaging in vitriolic attacks against those who have attempted to fill the void left by a lack of capable leaders. Each parish committee should convene and elect the most knowledgeable and competent member of their club to assist in the formation of a new Board at the upcoming Convention. Moreover, they should oppose the election of any official or member who cannot be relied upon to advance the Board’s interests impartially.
However, even with a new Board in place, unless certain rules are strictly and consistently enforced, such as appointing competent and unbiased referees and adhering to their decisions, following fixtures except in cases of death or extreme weather conditions, and strictly enforcing all other vital and indispensable regulations, the future Board will be no better than its predecessor.
Another debatable issue is the selection of a more central and convenient location for County Board meetings. It is worth considering whether, given the distance between the city and Abbeyfeale, Glin, Athea, Templeglantine, Castlemahon, Ardagh, Ballingarry, Newcastle West, and other areas, it would be advisable to establish a sub-county Board, such as one in Newcastle West, to handle West Limerick business. This sub-county Board would be subject to the County Committee in every aspect, and its decisions would require endorsement by the Limerick Board before becoming legally effective.
There are numerous other suggestions that could be proposed, but the priority remains the urgent and serious consideration of all those interested in the elevation and revitalization of our declining sports and pastimes.
Kerry News – Wednesday 02 March 1904
