Muskerry’s Ger Named Ballyseedy Volunteer Of The Month

12th December 2018 By The Editor

Muskerry's Ger Desmond was November's Volunteer of the Month Award winner.

The Ballyseedy Home & Garden Volunteer of the Month for November was awarded to Ger Desmond of Muskerry RFC for his continued hard work and dedication towards the development of the club across all areas.

Over the past 20 years, Ger has fulfilled a number of roles including 1^st XV manager, referee liaison, committee member and fixtures secretary, while also having served as President from 2014-2016.

As a former All Ireland League referee, Ger is the go to person for law interpretations and all matters around player transfers and branch regulations at the Cork club.

On receiving his award, Ger said: “I was delighted, it was a lovely gesture and a real honour to be recognised by everyone involved.

“I was initially a referee with the Munster Association of Referees back in 2000, then I was out injured and became Muskerry’s first team manager before getting back involved with the match officials.”

Image: L/R: Nathan McDonnell, Ballyseedy Managing Director, Aidan O’Connor, Muskerry RFC President, Volunteer of the Month, Ger Desmond, and Munster Rugby Services Officer, Bernadette Linnane.

Ger also runs the club shop at the weekends and enjoys the interaction with all members and visitors to Muskerry RFC.

“I love my role within the shop, when chatting with customers there’s always a good bit of banter, especially with the kids.

“I’m very much involved with the organising of fixtures through my role as fixtures secretary at the moment, as well as the development of the club.

“We are a very ambitious club and have fantastic facilities so we are always looking to develop, we now have a ladies team up and running and are keen to continue on an upward stretch each year.”

Muskerry President, Aidan O’Connor, said: “Ger gives an unlimited amount of his free time to the club.

“He runs our club shop and when Ger is not selling noodles or hot chocolate, jerseys or gum shields, he could be outside lining the pitches or putting out flags.

“Over the years, he has always been available to paint the club, assemble fences and signs, fix broken lights and mark car parks. You name it, and Ger will be doing it!

“He epitomises the volunteer ethic that underpins all clubs and is a worthy recipient of this award.”

Ballyseedy Home & Garden Volunteer Recognition Programme

The Ballyseedy Home & Garden Volunteer Recognition Programme rewards people working hard behind the scenes within clubs and schools throughout the province.

The programme runs from October 2018 to March 2019 with a reward scheme consisting of individual ‘Volunteer of the Month’ awards.

Successful nominees who meet a set criteria will be recognised for their efforts by receiving a prize package including;