Chairperson Ber Allen provides the strong leadership Nemo Rangers Football Club thrives on

The commitment of Ber in her 50 years involved in the club is remarkable

I once heard a great phrase about women and their ability to adapt and lead many years ago, and it went like this.

“A woman is like a tea bag-you can’t tell how strong she really is until you put her in hot water."

Some may say this analogy is outdated now, but the sentiments remain true as when it was first said many years ago.

That would certainly be the case of Bernadette Allen, chairperson of Nemo Rangers whose work for her club and the GAA in general is testament to the great character she really is.

She is a great chairman, a very strong lady and has always been this way.

The Allen family are steeped in the history of Nemo Rangers as Ber recalled her introduction to the club to me when we spoke recently.

“There was a ladies committee in the early seventies and I became chairperson and from there I was appointed secretary of the club in 1979,” said Ber Allen.

The commitment of Ber in her 50 years involved in the club is remarkable.

“I was on the first management committee of our club and in the position of secretary I did a total of 21 years, four years as vice chairman and two years as president, which is the time any person can hold down this position in our club,” added Allen.

An interesting note is the position of president has been filled by three members of the Allen family.

“My Denis was president for 11 years, my brother Gerry did a four year stint (before it was changed) and I was in the hotseat for our centenary year in 2021 and 2022.”

In 2023, Ber was elected chairperson of Nemo Rangers and possibly she is the only female in this position among the senior clubs in Cork?

A club like Nemo Rangers are just not all about the senior football team.

“We have 10 adult teams between ladies and men and we have a total of 37 underage teams from U18 down to U12 that is broken down from 22 boys teams in hurling and football, and 15 teams in ladies football and camogie.”

The facilities at Nemo Rangers are state of the art but as Ber explained its serious operation to run on an annual basis.

“We have to run the club like a business but as a chairperson I am lucky I am retired as I am at Trabeg on a daily basis and believe me we have an outstanding committee that keep the operation functional.”

The recent European election count were held at Trabeg and gain many hours were spent at the facility.

“We were there morning noon and night but when you are awarded this that’s what you have to dud to ensure everything is up to scratch as it was a huge event for our club.”

The administration side is great for Ber but in her own words nothing beats attending games at all levels.

“I just love going to see various teams playing and despite our successes over the years for me as chairperson it’s not all about winning as I like to see players getting enjoyment representing our club at all levels.”

It is a strange fact that Nemo’s underage successes wouldn’t match many senior clubs in Cork, but Miss Allen pointed out the coaching from underage to Senior is crucial.

“I think a lot of credit must go to the various coaches who knit the teams together because we have had players that won nothing at Minor and suddenly make the grade when it comes to playing at senior level.”

The present senior team lost a total of 12 years from last years squad but in the style of Nemo they soon found replacements.

“The conveyor belt must keep going and credit to the coaching staff they are working hard in producing a decent squad and have made the league final.”

Sister to the former Cork Senior football star Denis, another gentleman, who is always prepared to give something back to the club.

“I suppose Denis is like many others and when you look at the contribution of a man like Billy Morgan you then realise that our club have been blessed with the players that have represented us over many years.”

The present set up for the championship gets a mixed reaction but Ber is very much pleased with the formation.

“It’s only my opinion but I do like it simply because every club knows when they are playing and although it’s a tight schedule I do feel it’s working for the majority of clubs.”

The list is endless of the work that this lady gave to the GAA and in her present role it shows her love for Nemo Rangers has never waned over six decades.”