The National Community Games are set to introduce May and September finals to cope with the increasing popularity of the competition. At the AGM in Athlone at the weekend delegates learned of moves to extend the games before the millennium to cater for the increasing number of competitors, expected to include an extra 1,300 alone this year.
National games director Conal Duffy recommended they look favourably on the concept of winter and summer games. Suggested activities for a winter programme include gymnastics, art and model making, badminton, basketball and rugby.
"We need a fourth weekend in Mosney because of the growth in the games," said Duffy.
The AGM also heard that efforts to improve athletics facilities at Mosney have hit difficulties. "In 1998 we had hoped to be in a position to spend some money on improving and fencing the track area in Mosney, but due to possible complications over land rights, Mosney cannot see their way to allow us to invest in their property, or themselves spending the kind of money necessary to meet our requirements," explained Duffy. "They will, however, over the next four or five years undertake a limited upgrading of the area" he added.
Earlier the national president, George O'Toole, criticised the lack of funding from government: "Isn't it unsatisfactory when governments can put a value as little as 24p on a child's participation in the community games. So much for example," he said.
All outgoing officers were reelected, with the exception of David Timmons, who stepped down as youth officer to be replaced by Yvonne Carroll.
The Irish Times received a media award at Saturday's a.g.m. for best sports coverage of the community games in a national newspaper. The award was presented to sports editor, Malachy Logan, by Martina Mulhall, community games public relations officer, and Phelim Molloy, of South Midland Construction, sponsors of the award.
Full committee: President, George O'Toole; Vice-president, Carmel Greally; Chairman, Michael O'Grady; Vice-chairman: Brian McMahon; PRO: Martina Mulhall; General treasurer: Margaret McDermott; Games director, Conal Duffy.
