Stephen Brosnan talks to John Mitchels club man and manager of the new sports complex in Ballyseedy, Humphrey Shanahan, about his time in the club…
Profile: Humphrey Shanahan, John Mitchel’s Sports Complex Manager. John Mitchel’s Club Coach From/To: 2006 – 2013
(Q): How did you become involved with John Mitchel’s club?
(A): “The position of club coach was advertised locally. I must also thank Aidan Moynihan who vouched for me with the club. Aiden knew my background in sport and my qualification in sporting science, administration and coaching. From there I went through the interview process”.
(Q): Tell me about your appointment as club coach?
(A): “As club coach my duties were to help the management of all the teams from Under 6 to Senior level. I also helped with a number of new initiatives and the start of ladies football in the club.
Take part in training sessions to assess the skills set of the various teams and individual players. I had to liaise with the club chairperson and the juvenile chairman on an ongoing basis”.
(Q): What has been your greatest accomplishment as a club coach or club officer?
(A): “For me as the then club coach was seen players go all the way too senior level. Two of our under 14 teams played in the All Ireland Féile competition.
We also seen our under 16 team win back to back division 1 league titles and go on to win back to back division 1 minor titles as well. In my time as club coach we have played something like 90 finals in all age groups both boys and girls. We have a good record in winning many of those finals”.
(Q): What has been your greatest disappointment?
(A): “Losing our senior status in 2008 was a big disappointment given the clubs history. Another disappointment was our minor team of 2011 were beaten in the semi-final of the county championship. I believe the team would have gone on to win the title but for a disputed goal that was not given on the night”.
(Q): What is it that you like most about Gaelic football?
(A): “For me it’s the people that you meet through the sport. I have made some very good friends both in John Mitchel’s club and throughout the county. The sport itself is fantastic when played well”.
(Q): If you could change a rule in Gaelic football what would that be?
(A): “I would change the way the ball is picked up from the ground. I don’t believe that a player having to put his foot under the ball is necessary. A straight pickup from the ground would also speed the game up”.
(Q): What in your opinion is the biggest challenge facing GAA clubs today?
(A): “Immigration is a big problem for clubs especially in rural areas. The commitment of players is also a challenge for them on a personal basis.
Players have to give a lot of time to the club. Nowadays senior players have to train a least three times a week a play matches at weekends. This puts a strain on their family and social life. Fundraising is also a very challenging for clubs.
John Mitchel’s can spend anywhere between 80 to 100 thousand euros each season the running costs for the football teams. Fundraising is a vital and necessary initiative for all clubs”.
(Q): What has the John Mitchel’s complex to offer the general public as well as Mitchel’s players & club members?
(A): “Firstly and importantly the complex is a safe and friendly environment for the playing of sport.
It is located centrally in relation to the town and is close to all major routes to and from Tralee. The area comprises of 40 acres in total. We have 3 full sized grass pitches one of which is floodlit and a full size astro turf pitch also floodlit.
The building has an indoor fully equipped sports hall and gym, sauna and steam room. We also have dressing rooms to cater for all the pitches independently at one time.
We have a fully functional first aid room and reception area that is open approximately 12 hours per day 7 days a week. We cater for birthday parties and all types of sports and other events”.
(Q): Tell me about your day to day role as complex manager in the club?
(A): “As manager one of my duties is to monitor the playing pitches on a daily basis. A lot of work goes into maintenance from cutting the grass to lining the pitches. I also have to liaise with the field committee and the grounds contractor.
I have to coordinate with the managers of the various club teams to allocate times for matches and training. Many of our inter-county teams train here and they have to be allocated dressing rooms and pitch schedules.
The complex is used by other clubs and individuals and by schools for sports events throughout the year. It is a business like any other and it need to be run properly to be successful”.
(Q) What are your thoughts on the present & future of the club?
(A): “At present my thoughts are very positive. The facilities here are top class. At juvenile level we have good numbers across the teams. Our senior ladies have won their county league. Our senior men are well positioned for promotion to division 1.
They also have secured a semi-final place in the intermediate county championship. We have great people that volunteer a great amount of their time for the club. Great credit is due to all the club volunteers and all the people that work here. The future looks very good for the club”.
This article first appeared in the John Mitchels Club Notes
