Gorman to step down from leading NEFL role
Well-known local soccer official Gerry Gorman has indicated he will step down as General Secretary of the North East Football League (NEFL) although he will, almost certainly, have some role to play in the future.
"Although it is my intention to stay involved in various roles (if required) I will be bringing the curtain down on the General Secretary position," he stated in his report for 2021.
Gorman had expressed concern some months ago that a number of other officials had indicated they would be stepping down from NEFL positions.
Gorman is one of the founder members of the league which started out as the Mid-Meath League transformed into Meath & District League and then changed to the NEFL. He is one of the best-known officials on the Irish junior soccer scene.
In his annual report Gorman thanked a number of people for their contributions over the years.
"As this shall be my final report of this nature I would like to thank the following – all the wonderful associates I have had the pleasure of getting to know over many years. In the season just past on behalf of the League I would like to express a sincere thank you to our sponsors in particular Cormac Farrell from O’Neills Sports, Alan Farrelly from Farrelly, Dawe, White, Accountants, Dick Redmond from Superior Racking and Shelving, and our chairman David Tully for many years of support with the Tully Bookmakers Cup where we will now require a new sponsor following the sale of their chain of shops.
"David is also standing down from his present role, but will still be available to lend his vast experience at committee level. Two of our major sponsors came on board for the first season, and for sourcing, and working with same I would like to thank our former PRO and Registrar Justin Burke.
"As would be seen In his report the outgoing registrar Damien Smith will not be seeking re-election after five great years raising the bar within this role. He was always on top of relative matters with the FAI.net system, and very helpful to those learning to use it.
"Brian McCreary, Stephen McCabe, and Mark McGuinness will also not be seeking re-election as Committee members. Their contribution to the smooth running will also be sadly missed. We were aware of the imminent reduction in numbers well in advance, and thankfully a rallying cry appeared to have the desired effect with some new members ready to take on the challenge.
"Meath and Louth FAI development officers Richie Smith, and Mick Neville once again excelled in their roles, quite often going beyond the call of duty. I would also like to thank LFA provincial administrator Peter Doyle for his continued help and support.
"I would like to pay tribute to our Fixtures Secretary Declan Jordan, and PRO Tommy Melia, who received some great help and advice from NECSL PRO Jonathan Purvis. Two stalwarts who never get the credit they deserve for the many unselfish hours put in on all our interest
"To the members of the ISRS in our area from Meath, Louth, and Cavan-Monaghan, and the various FAI assessors Sean Brady, David Murphy, Ollie O’Connor, and Martin Reilly. A sincere thank you, and as leagues up and down the country are finding to their cost of late. Without match officials football as we know it cannot function.
"I would like to thank all the media sources within our area for all the help, and coverage with promoting our League."
"On a sad note I would like to pass on the condolences of the NEFL to club members and associates who lost loved ones during the year. In most cases the harrowing experiences of the imposed restrictions greatly added to the grief, and pain experienced by the families involved."
Gorman also added: "Due to time constraints and having to devote all available spare time elsewhere, especially finalizing end of year accounts with just a window of one month to do so. I am therefore not in a position to address a lot of issues some positive, and some negative. Apologies for not highlighting some great positive contributions from specific clubs, and referees alike."