Since the last Executive update (in mid-February) there is quite a bit going on in the club, both on and off the pitch. 

We hosted an excellent evening with Dara Ó'Cinnéide where he stressed the importance of club, of football, of the Irish language and of volunteering to those that could make the evening. My thanks to Kenny Cantwell, Colm Keys and all who helped organise a fantastic evening. 

Competitive football has resumed for most teams and whilst it is still subject unfortunately to weather interruptions, teams are now generally well into their respective league campaigns.  Our Football Policy, developed and proposed by the Football Committee,  was also considered and approved by the Executive and this sets in place a number of common sense and practical policies aimed and giving adequate game time and improvement opportunities for all GAA players. We recently hosted the LGFA Feile in the Club and my thanks to all who organised it successfully. In particular I would like to thank Gary Alder for all the work he does on match days and on events like these. We are hosting some stages of the GAA Feile on April 22nd  and 24th so please come and support the Boys u15 teams at their games - more details to follow. 

With regards to the work of the Finance Committee and club finances generally, there is a lot ongoing. We have had recent fundraisers (including Cheltenham, US Masters, National Club Draw) and I want to emphasise the importance of these in terms of keeping the club going. Last year I set out the costs of running the club on an annual basis, https://simonstowngfc.com/articles/145728 with a basic running cost of €200,000 per year before any improvements, repairs or developments can be considered. Thanks to the work of the Finance Committee, of many volunteers and principally of club members, supporters and generous sponsors who have backed various initiatives and events we can now plan for some development that will stand our club in good stead going forward.  Thanks to these efforts in the recent few months we were able to conduct a major expansion and improvement of our Gym, which is for our football teams; we have and will continue to receive professional Strength and Conditioning services for some of our teams; we were able to conduct a very significant refurbishment of the Club bar (particular thanks to Terry, Tony and Joey) and we repaired and upgraded our club heating systems and showers, in addition to other smaller projects.  Looking forward we will soon invest in much needed grass cutting equipment, we will engage professional maintenance of our pitches (fertiliser, sand, repairs) and we also look forward to in the very short term installing new Main Pitch lights; purchasing new juvenile goals and delivering a skills wall and training area for our footballers.  Whilst the latter of these projects are primarily grant funded, we as a club have to also put forward a significant percentage of the cost in addition to covering any aspects that are not within the grants.  As I did last year, I encourage all to pay their membership, get involved and support, where you can, ongoing fundraisers. 

Our Community activity continues, with the Club's Community Centre focus expanding with the continued great work of Anne, Maggie and others.  As part of our club charity connection with Jigsaw Meath, our underage teams are doing workshops with Jigsaw, and this has real and ongoing benefits to all. Our bar and shop remain available for members and I encourage club supporters to use them and indeed, if possible, volunteer in them.  Our Community aspect was evident in the recent St Patricks Day parade participation and social; the Easter Egg Hunt for kids and one aspect which is definitely worthy of special mention is the ongoing fantastic work of our Blue Cubs every second Saturday who provide invaluable support, services and fun for kids with additional needs and their families.  Their efforts were rightly recently acknowledged with a 'certificate of recognition'.   Our Community Committee will be organising a 'Club Clean Up Day' (when the weather improves) and that is an opportunity for all members and supporters to put a few hours in and improve the appearance of our club and grounds.  This might involve cleaning, litter picking, painting, clearing and some basic jobs for the DIY enthusiasts within the club. More details to follow. 

My continued thanks for all the positive contributions by our coaches, members and volunteers.  

Please continue to support the teams and the club in whatever way you can.