MIDLETON 1999

MIDLETON AFC




Midleton AFC has always been run in a businesslike manner so it is not surprising that the East Cork club, when faced with the problem of how best to handle future developments, brought in a consultant.



Chairman Mick Kirby explains: "The club is getting very big. We have seven schoolboys teams, one youths in the AUL, one junior, one senior and now the Ladies playing section is taking off in a big way. In addition to the teams, some one hundred and fifty kids in the seven to ten year old bracket get training and coaching every Sunday of the year in the local community centre.

We have plans to build an all weather pitch and a completely new clubhouse. We were wondering how best to proceed and asked East Cork Area Development for their advice and help".



The development organization responded by sponsoring a consultant to the club for an eight week spell, which is now coming to an end. Views have been taken from all sections of the club and the consultant is due to give his report very shortly and that will no doubt lead to a lively debate on the night and, one suspects, for many a night afterwards.



The Midleton officers are: Mick Kirby (Chairman), Eddie Allen (Secretary), Michael Desmond (Treasurer), Pa Coakley (PRO), Ger Lehane (Adult Kit Manager), Dermot O'Driscoll (Finance Officer), John Tighe (Ground Development Officer), and Ray O'Connor (Social Chairman). Other committee members are: Mary Woods, Jill Dennehy, Mary Mottalebie, Helen Spitere, Mossie Horgan, and John Coady.



This progressive football club already has its own Website and much of the club business is already computerized: a players database has been constructed which contains all relevant information from registration, membership, home address, phone no. etc. The Website has provided the club with a new means of communication and at the same time allowed the public access.



The modern outlook of the East Cork outfit went a long way towards securing a major high profile sponsor. After a very courteous meeting between club officers and Mr Mike McGrath, the large multi national Stryker Instruments has become associated with the club.



Through the Website Midleton has built up relationships with clubs all over the country, some of which are undertaking similar development plans as the Magpies. Knockgriffin Park is renowned for its facilities and it is the club's aim to constantly improve them for players and members and with Cork Soccer Honours Award winner Kirby at the helm, improve them they will.