The Club’s AGM was held last Sunday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Secretary Martin Bellew opened the meeting by welcoming all in attendance. A minute’s silence was observed for Club Vice-President Johnny Byrnes R.I.P., who passed away at the start of the year.
Treasurer Shane Ruane gave an extensive report on the Club’s finances for the year, noting the importance of contributions from the Club’s Sponsors, ’250 Club’, Club Lotto (driven by the Lotto Committee), the recent Race Night fundraiser and his fellow Club Officers. One Club stalwart in attendance harked back to a time when Physios were going through a leaner spell!
Next was the Chairman Tom O’Grady’s report. He praised the Senior’s on their qualification for the Senior ‘A’ Championship for 2016 and our U14’s who represented Galway at All-Ireland Féile na nGael in Antrim. He went on to commend the excellent work of the Juvenile Secretary Dorothy Scarry and Chairman Anthony Kenny and also the time invested by management and coaches at all levels. He reiterated thanks to Sponsors, Secretary, PRO and Treasurer, recalling when the Treasurer’s report could be jotted on the back of a cigarette box! There was a special mention for those who represented the Club with County teams in 2015 and a look forward to 2016, when the Club will celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary. The Chairman received praise from the floor for his commitment to the Club, but I’m sure Tom will claim to be just a link in the chain that keeps the Club tightknit!
Next was the election of Club Officers for 2016. Paddy Hillary was added as a Club Vice-President, before Tom O’Grady (Chairman), Martin Bellew (Secretary) and Shane Ruane (Treasurer) were returned to their roles for 2016. Adrian Queeney replaced the outgoing Tomás Kenny as Vice-Chairman and Paul Bellew replaced Oliver Laheen as Assistant Treasurer. Martin Tierney will continue his role as Senior team manager for 2016. A full list of Officers is available here.
Following the Election of Officers, Dorothy Scarry outlined the events planned for the Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2016, the highlight of which is the May Bank Holiday weekend. Among the lineup are Mike Denver and his Band in the Marquee at the Club Grounds on Friday, April 29th and the Kilfenora Céilí band on Sunday, May 1st. County Board Chairman Noel Treacy addressed the AGM and he too looked forward to 2016 and the 50th Anniversary celebrations, before the meeting was brought to a close by Chairman Tom O’Grady.