Former London GAA chairman Noel O’Sullivan: Ruislip Development in good hands

OUTGOING London GAA chairman Noel O’Sullivan confirmed he has left the Ruislip Development plans in good health upon being replaced by John Lacey.

Although some changes have been made to the initial plans, “very little” has been amended with the cost only rising to £4.35million from £4.17m, with construction on course to begin next summer.

At Sunday's Annual Convention O'Sullivan, who has been replaced by Lacey with immediate effect, said: "Our biggest downside in 2015 was that we didn’t start our development here last August. We had very good reasons for that not to happen.

"[But] We had a meeting on Friday and the news is very, very good. We’ve come in at a cost estimate now of £4.35million and the changes in it are very little.

"That is almost up and running and I would be more than surprised if we didn’t sign a contract for that in February or early March.

"It is going to cost a little bit more money, but we will raise more money, again without any levy to the clubs. That money will be raised, it won’t be borrowed, so it will be no burden on the County Board. Plans are in the pipeline to raise that money."

Meanwhile, O’Sullivan also took the time to thanks all those involved in an eventful year within London GAA, from Paul Coggins’ resignation to the affiliation of the Irish Guards team for 2016.

“I’d like to thank all the county teams who wore the London jersey over the past 12 months at all age levels,” he said.

“I’d particularly like to thank the London senior footballers, under the management of Paul Coggins, and his backroom staff for the wonderful work they’ve done in bringing on the London football team.

“They had a fantastic National League campaign. They weren’t strong enough in the Championship and the qualifiers, but I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for his five years of service and all his staff and I wish Ciaran Deely every success as the incoming manager.

“I’d also like to thank Fergus (McMahon) for all his hard work with the London hurlers. They also had a great National League campaign and did very well in the Christy Ring. I wish him every success in 2016.

“But, most of all, I’d like to thank all the London players who wore the shirt, for the sacrifices and commitment they gave was unbelievable.

“Being out in the winter nights, training, and then being away from their families every weekend, travelling to Ireland for games – that commitment is unbelievable, and I’d like to thank them for that.

“I’d like to thank all the clubs affiliated to London County Board for your participation in 2015 and congratulations to all our competition winners, and in particular Robert Emmetts, who went on to compete in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

“They weren’t good enough on the day, but they’re better than that and I’ve no doubt they’ll be back again next year.

“I’d like to congratulation Tir Chonaill Gaels on their 16th Senior Football Championship, a fantastic game here last Sunday, and I wish you the best of luck here next Saturday against Clonmel.

“That game is going out live on Irish TV and it’s wonderful that we can now showcase our games here in London to a world audience.

“Congratulations to the Provincial Council of Britain for the ABC tournament in July and thanks to all the people who supported them. This competition has gone from strength to strength and thanks to Tir Chonaill Gaels for the use of their pitches and all the staff that they provided.

“Thanks to all the grounds people who come out here, particularly the fantastic work Liam Brendan has done and everybody that has helped him. Never has our ground looked so good, and the pitch is in excellent condition.

“To all the gatemen, all the referees, the linesmen, the umpires, to each and every one of you to come out here and give us your time, thank you very much.

“Thanks to the people who come out on weeknights too, and the people from Hertfordshire who come here to officiate at our National League games.

“During the course of the year, difficult decisions have had to been made. One that springs to mind is the decision to affiliate the Irish Guards.

“I can understand the argument on both sides, believe me, but I think that the decision that was made was the right one for the betterment of the London County Board.”

Sunday saw O'Sullivan's four-year reign come to an end after club delegates voted in favour of electing Lacey.