Ballymartle Go it Alone

(JJ Hurley)

The recent revelation that Ballymartle GAA held an EGM to approve a decision to see the club break away from a 50-year-old tradition of lining out with Sliabh Rua has sent shockwaves across the Carrigdhoun division.

The decision was taken at the club’s headquarters on Sunday, September 14, at 10am, with some sources claiming that more than 70 members of the Riverstick club were in attendance, while others have suggested the number present was lower.

Despite the best efforts of the Carrigdhoun Newspaper to obtain details of the EGM, the club continues to stonewall attempts to obtain information on the exact details of last Sunday week's gathering.

Of concern among certain sections of the Clontead faithful is the lack of communication about the hosting of the special meeting. While the Carrigdhoun Newspaper is in no way suggesting that proper procedures were not followed in calling the meeting, the GAA has strict guidelines on the subject.

In its Official Guide, the GAA sets out the specific rules for EGMs:

"8.7 A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee at any time, provided ten days' clear notice, in writing, shall be given to the members, specifying the purpose of such Special General Meeting.

8.8 The Executive Committee shall call a Special General Meeting for a date not more than twenty-one days from the receipt by the Executive Committee of a requisition, in writing, signed by twelve members of the Club, and ten clear days' notice, in writing, shall be given to the Members.

8.8.1 Such requisitions by members of the Club shall set out the purpose for which the Special General Meeting is required and shall be lodged with the Secretary.

8.8.2 If the Special General Meeting is not called for a date within the twenty-one days stipulated, then the requisitioners may themselves convene a Special General Meeting. If requested, the County Secretary shall assist the requisitioners in convening the Special General Meeting.

8.9 No other business, outside that specified in the Notice, shall be transacted at a Special General Meeting.

8.10 No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum of members is present."

While Ballymartle GAA has yet to issue an official statement on the subject, Sliabh Rua GAA club issued a lengthy response to the news on its social media page.

‘After receiving official notification from Ballymartle, it is with great sadness that we announce that Sliabh Rua GAA will come to an end at the conclusion of this season,’ the statement read.

‘Ultimately, this decision was out of our hands as a result of a decision passed at a recent Ballymartle EGM not to submit an independent application for any age groups, which effectively meant Sliabh Rua became redundant.’

The other club affected by the decision, Belgooly GAA, has also remained silent as it is believed to be considering a response.

Ballymartle footballers in action in the recent Procure.ie SE Junior A Football Championship (Bernard Laverty)