Belvedere confirm demotion

Belvedere have confirmed they will not compete in Division One of the Munster Senior Women’s League this season, citing player loss as a primary factor in their decision to demote themselves. The Ballincollig outfit endured a tough time in the top tier last season after deservedly winning promotion during 2009/10, finishing bottom of the pile after fellow strugglers UL nabbed a shock draw against Cork C of I. With no side wishing to be promoted from Division Two, Belvedere were not relegated, but the club’s inability to entice a coach and a variety of players losses have brought them to this decision, following an hour-long meeting with Munster Branch officials last week.

“This step was not taken lightly,” explained Belvedere PRO Paul Desmond. “We have lost nine players from the team who got us promoted, through retirement, transfers and emigration. “We looked very closely as a committee of the advantages of retaining our Division 1 status and what it meant for our aspiring young players versus the disadvantages. But the majority decision was that the demotion to Division 2 was the best option for the club in the current environment. “During the off season we have tried to entice a new coach all summer long, but due to new work commitments and general lack of interest from various people we approached we could not find a new coach. “This was coupled with the loss of three players to pregnancy last year and who won’t be available until Christmas to play, our goalkeeper emigrating to Australia and our second choice goalkeeper moving to UCC. We also have lost three more players (so far) from last year’s Division One panel to other clubs. “The remaining seven players felt after last year’s tough season and these circumstances they would not have the motivation to go through another season in the top division with less resources then the previous year. As a club we felt we had no option but to request the demotion to Division Two. Thankfully, the Munster Branch agreed to this. We can only thank them for this, as I know now that they will have to revise fixtures for two divisions, which is never an easy task so close to the beginning of the season.” Desmond added that Belvedere are committed to returning to the top tier as soon as possible, citing the heavy investment in the club’s youth section, that has seen their average age reduce year-on-year as the club continues to attract and nurture talent from Ballincollig and its hinterland. “While this year will begin on a disappointing note, we see our club as a young and vibrant growing club which each year continues to grow in the community of Ballincollig and mid Cork in general.” he said. “We aspire to be back competing in Division 1 as also rans initially, but to be competing at the top of the division in the next few years.” He added that the club is on the lookout for new goalkeepers, with five netminders in total unavailable to play this year due to a variety of commitments.