Kildare GAA financial surplus to be in the region of €400,000 for 2025

It is usually a quietish affair, the November meeting of the Kildare GAA grassroots, held a mere month before Annual Convention. Club reps gathered at Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, on Tuesday night last and it was, expected, a quick fire with nevertheless some interesting topics covered.

Chairman, Mick Mullen, ending his first year in the hot seat (and unopposed at the upcoming convention) paid a huge tribute to outgoing Hon Secretary, Christine Murray, whose five year term will end on the first week in December.

Christine was Communication Officer for five years before taking up the post of Hon Secretary back in 2021, a term that included covid, the redevelopment and opening of Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, among the highlights (if you can call covid a highlight that is).

Chairman Mullen said: “On behalf of myself and the Kildare GAA Executive I want to say a sincere thank you and appreciation to Christine for her work and dedication over the past five years, she has shown remarkable dedication, diligence and professionalism in guiding Kildare through some very challenging times .

“Christine's steady leadership was instrumental in steering us through covid, ensuring the smooth running of our affairs at that very difficult time.

“Christine played a central role in many of the key initiatives in Kildare GAA over the past five years and especially the redevelopment of St Conleth's Park, a project that will stand a legacy and her commitment in the progress in the future of Kildare GAA; her role often entailed long hours, and personal sacrifices, a life on hold during her services as an administrator, carrying out her duties in unfailing positivity, an excellent administrator.”

The Chairman added that “as she stands back from her official role we offer our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes, her contribution will not be forgotten and I am hoping Christine will stay on in some role with Kildare GAA and I wish her all the best .”

Unfortunately Christine was not present, due to a family bereavement, but delegates certainly showed their grateful appreciation with a resounding round of applause. No doubt her contribution will be marked in the upcoming Annual Convention in Cedral St Conleth's Park, on Monday 8 December.

Personal
From a person point of view I'd like to thank Christine for her assistance, not just for the last five years but the previous five years also where she was a very active and successful Communication Officer with Kildare GAA.

Always available, always approachable, and always willing to help out, I thank Christine personally but also on behalf of the local, and indeed national, media.

Christine will be a huge loss to Kildare GAA and as Chairman Mullen intimated, hopefully she will remain involved with the county as folk like Christine do not come along too often.

Snippets
Treasurer, Alan Dunney, gave an upbeat report on the finances and while we await the full treasurer's report at convention, Mr Dunney intimated that the surplus for 2025 will be in the region of €400,000.

It was confirmed that Kildare will play All-Ireland champions, Kerry, in a pre-Christmas challenge at Cedral St Conleth's Park, on Saturday 20 December, throw-in 5 pm. The game is a fund-raiser for Kildare senior footballers; General Admission: €15; Student/ OAP: €10 at the gate (Tap&Go).

Meanwhile Jim Kelly (Athy/ Clogherinkoe) brought up the cost of admission to championship games suggesting, for instance €16 for a minor game should be reviewed, however it was pointed out that gate receipts are a vital revenue stream while it was also pointed out that membership of Club Kildare offers really excellent value for money.

Noel McKenna, Chairman of CCC said that discipline has improved over all throughout 2025 while also making yet another plea for more referees.

Meanwhile Communications Officer, Lorraine O'Connor, informed delegates the Annual Kildare GAA Awards Night will be held at Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, on Saturday November 29.

On the night the McDonagh Cup, the Tailteann Cup and the McGirr Cup (minor) winners will be honoured, along with the various individual awards being presented.

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