The Naomh Conaill GAA Club held it’s AGM in the Community Centre on Sat. 7th December. The meeting was very well attended and things proceeded swiftly, with all posts being filled at the first time of asking, except for Oifige Na Gaelige, where the outgoing officer, Crona Regan, was absent, and will be asked to fill the post again.
The club has a new chairman for the coming year with outgoing chairman, Peter Mc Kelvey having completed his three year term, and now hands over the reins to incoming chairman, Daniel Mc Geehan. Former Donegal, and Naomh Conaill goalkeeper, Danny has just completed 4 years as chairman of Buncrana Credit Union, so he is no stranger to what’s needed at the top table.
Before completing his term, Peter read out a letter from Pat Eamonn Boyle, requesting he be considered for the post of Club President, having served Naomh Conaill, as a player, and in all other club officer positions during the last 40 years.
Outgoing President Leo Mc Loone, senior, very graciously stepped aside and allowed Pat to take over for the coming few years. Other posts filled are as follows;
Vice Chairman – Martin Smith
Secretary – Vincent Cranley.
Asst Secretary – Carol Gibbons
Joint Treasurers – Patrick Mc Guigan, and Patsy Furey.
PRO – Michael Jack O Donnell.
Asst PRO – Paul Mc Guigan.
Registrar – Murial Hegarty.
Children’s Officer – David Kelch.
Players Representative – Brendan Mc Dyre.
Coaching Officer – Martin Regan.
Executive Members – Numerous.
A comprehensive written financial report was available for everyone on entering the meeting, showing that the club is on solid ground, and moving forward in very safe hands. Great credit is due to the all concerned for their great efforts.
The secretary’s report was also very comprehensive, detailed, and available to all.
With a hard working board, and excutive in place, Naomh Conaill are in position to move forward confidently, both on and off the field in the coming years.
A motion for a strict code of conduct for all club members, was passed unanimously, and will be strictly adhered to in the coming year, setting good example for the younger generation to follow. Another motion to appoint a separate asst Secretary to the club Secretary, leaving the Minor Board Secretary to concentrate on Minor Board matters, and also the appointment of a Club Development Officer, to lead a strategic plan for the future development of Naomh Conaill.
These two motions will be decided at the 1st Executive meeting.
A third motion unanimously carried was that a 2 Euro weekly charge per player attending training be applied across the board, from U8, through to seniors, male and female, to alleviate the transport costs, and the financial running of the club. This would be capped at 4 Euro per week per household. The bus levy of 2 Euros is disbanded.
Membership is now due for the coming year, and is set at Euros 40 for adults, and Euros 20 for children.
The Ladies Board held their AGM on Sat. also with the following officers being elected
Chairman – Hughie Molloy.
Secretary – Arlene Gallagher.
Treasurer TBA.
PRO – Denise Campbell.
Registrar – Fiona Molloy.
Managers.
Senior and Minor – Hughie Molloy.
U16 – Seamus Campbell.
U12 – U13 and U14 – Sean Connaughton.
Minor Board AGM.
The minor board held their AGM, and the following officers were appointed;
Chairman – Martin Smith
Secretary – Carol Gibbons
U8 Manager – Pat Ward
U10 – Martin Doherty.
U12 – Martin Smith and James Plumber Boyle.
U14 – Terence Gallagher, and Connie Doherty,
U18 – Damian Craig.
The Lord Mayor campaign, sponsored by Tazetta Mink Farm, came to a fitting finale at a function in Keeney’s Bar also on Sat. night, with Danny Mc Geehan, getting his feet wet right away, acting as MC on the night. The four canditates, Eileen Gallagher, Brian Boyle, Philip Phildy Gallagher, and James Gallagher, were highly commended for their trojan efforts, fund raising for Naomh Conaill, and the Glenties Action Group.
At the end, there was one man standing, the man who has held the position proudly for the last 7 years, James Gallagher, as the results of a closely contested race were announced. Great credit to all four for their wonderful efforts, providing the locals with some great entertainment, over the last few months.
James was presented with a cloak, and chain, by Sven Sjoholm, and his sister, Louise Byrne, of Tazetta Mink Farm, Glenties, and the club are very grateful to them for their sponsorship.
A heartfelt thank you to all who helped the club in any way, from the tea ladies, the very generous sponsors, the supporters, team managers, and anyone else who gave their time, helping to drive the club forward, and provide a platform for the young boys, and girls, coming through the ranks in future years. As in all parishes throughout the land, the local GAA club is the fulchrum of the local community, and helps mould the character of our youngsters for life’s obstacles.
Wishing everyone all the best for the year ahead, both on and off the playing field.