THE changing face of Ireland in the height of recession could prove far reaching in its consequences for rural GAA clubs and it prompted Duhallow Junior Board Chairman Sean McAulliffe call for a comprehensive examination on how to overcome its impact.

Speaking at the Board's Annual Convention hosted in Kanturk on Monday night, he said the current day contrasted to the worries of attracting young people to gaelic games in recent years owing to an affluent society, but that's overtaken by recessionary times.

"We've got to get the volunteer ethos improved within clubs. Previously, we paid for the work, now we need to do it ourselves and become a more closely knitted community," he said.

Emigration is likely to become a frontrunner and Mr. McAuliffe called on measures to offset both players taking their leave and difficulties for clubs on attempting to raise finance. " We could lose part of a generation and its important to keep in contact with players who may be away. And with money getting tighter, general fund raising will become a more acute problem and it will necessitate our facilities to be carefully managed," he said.

Honorary Secretary Tom Dennehy described 2009 as an exceptional year indicating the competitive nature of championships saw a number of surprise results before the major titles rested in Kanturk and Meelin. Problems persisted on the rate of progress in championships because of the increase in the number of inter-county games and this has been compounded by the back door which now exists in domestic championships

"Matters weren't helped by saturated pitches as we experienced record rainfall levels and there is nothing more frustrating for all concerned than to have games called off at short notice with players and supporters having made travel arrangements sometimes from long distances," he said.

Inroads in hurling was applauded and Duhallow's growing stature in underage affairs progressed a step further on claiming a prestigious county U-21 title. "Our U-21 hurling team stole the show with tremendous performances to make amends for last year's defeat in a county final. It's an endorsement for the great work being put in at Juvenile and club level within the Division," he said.

Mr Dennehy paid tribute to referees who made many sacrifices to be available to officiate at our games.

"This huge commitment is often not fully understood as they regularly have to forgo work and family commitments, often at very short notice to referee our games. We have a very high standard of refereeing and this is very well recognised by other divisions and at county board level," he said.

Board Treasurer Richard Murphy outlined a detailed financial summary and the extension of sponsorship across championships and leagues contributed significantly to a surplus which was partly used on securing the services of Cork star Donncha O'Connor to coach national and secondary schools. County Treasurer Pearse Murphy and County PRO Gerard Lane congratulated all involved in the efficient running of affairs within Duhallow and commended clubs on their outstanding facilities, the ongoing maintenance and development that's reaping benefits.

Banteer

Chairman Donie Barry queried the withdrawal of lottery funding that's key to club development. "It's an awful expense on clubs for grounds and facilities have to be maintained. Pressure needs to be put on people in authority for the return of funding," he said.

Scór Secretary Jerry Doody spoke of the progress and rate of success enjoyed by Duhallow clubs at county, provincial and national levels. "It's mandatory that a cultural officer is appointed within each club, that should promote the concept of Scór," he said.

Banteer delegate Pat Murphy saw the need to appoint a senior hurling development committee as a front to build up the success at U-21 level.

"It's about time we got serious and look to a team that's worthy to compete in the county senior hurling championship," he said.

Meelin Secretary Bridie Murphy applauded the Cork GAA website and regular newsletter to clubs. Tributes were paid to retiring County Board delegate Brian O'Loughlin for maintaining a 45 year family link between Duhallow and the county board.

Officers elected for 2010 are President, Frank Healy (Kanturk); Chairman, Seán McAuliffe (Kilbrin); Vice Chairman, Tom Walsh (Kanturk); Secretary, Tom Dennehy (Kiskeam); Treasurer, Richard Murphy ( Lyre); Development Officer, Tony McAulliffe (Lismire). County Board Delegates: Dan Joe Murphy and Richard Murphy.