Tributes to retiring treasurer

The Munstergroup Clare Community Games annual general meeting was held last week in the West County Hotel. While the attendance was disappointing, with only 13 areas represented, it was nevertheless a successful meeting.

President John O’Sullivan, in welcoming everyone, conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all the officers, sub-committees, coordinators, officials, managers, coaches and referees who devoted many hours to the organisation over the past year.

 

There was a special tribute to two dedicated stalwarts who did not seek re-election. Treasurer Rose Meakins, who has served 22 years and assistant treasurer Graham Meakins stepped down after 18 years in the post but he will continue as the NEAC delegate.

The president also paid tribute to youth officer Sean Stack and development officer Pat Taylor, who stepped down also. He hoped the Community Games would grow, prosper and continue its task of nurturing sport and recreation among young people.

Chairman Pat Taylor in his address also welcomed everyone, especially national representative, Tony Lee. He reiterated all the president had said and added that all have a responsibility to ensure the organisation continues to function for the benefit of the children of Clare. He thanked the officers not seeking reelection, wished them well in their retirement and hoped they would stay involved.

Secretary Mary Loughnane presented a detailed report. She pointed out that Clare had won 227 national medals and the Radio 2 Perpetual Trophy for the best-presented county in the opening parade. Clare also had great success at the area and media awards. She highlighted the changes in the national finals programme for 2013.

Treasurer Rose Meakins presented a very detailed and comprehensive financial report in which she outlined all income and expenditure for the year. She acknowledged all the officers she had served with during her years as treasurer.

NEAC delegate Graham Meakins gave comprehensive report on the many changes that 2013 will bring in Community Games. It is hoped that full registration will be introduced during the year to be finalised in 2014. There will be only two national finals weekends, May 24-26 and Aug 15-19, with competitions running from 10am on Friday to Sunday evening. There are also changes to the format of the AGM while the national headquarters are moving to Athlone.

Registrar and games director Mary Lenihan detailed all entries, competitions and results. She acknowledged all the coordinators and referees who gave generously of their time for Community Games. She also mentioned everyone who helped with activities and those who provided venues.
PRO Mary Phelan congratulated The Clare Champion on receiving both a provincial and continuity award and photographer Declan Monaghan, who received the Michael Hanley Perpetual Cup for the most unusual photograph. Kevin O’Loughlin congratulated Clare FM, who also received a media award.
National director Tony Lee thanked all in Clare Community Games for their hard work and he wished all the officers well for 2013.

The following officers were elected: President, John O’Sullivan  Ennis St John’s; vice-presidents, Mary Lynch, Clarecastle/Ballyea, Kevin O’Loughlin, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry, Cecilia O’Sullivan, Ennis St John’s; chairman, Pat Taylor, Quin/Clooney; vice-chairman, Kieran Harvey, Carrigaholt/Cross; secretary, Mary Loughnane, Quin/Clooney; assistant secretary, Anne Arthur O’Brien, Ennis St John’s; treasurer Charlene Dillon, Meelick/Coonagh; assistant treasurer, Rob Stephen, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry; PRO, papers, Mary Phelan; Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry; PRO, radio, Kevin O’Loughlin, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry; games director and registrar, Mary Lenihan, Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber; youth officer, Paula Loughnane, Quin/Clooney; NEAC delegate Graham Meakins, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry; child protection officer,Anne Rowlands Meelick/Coonagh; Munster delegates, Ann Chaplin, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry; Tony Bourke, Newmarket-on-Fergus; Mary Lynch, Clarecastle/Ballyea; development officer, Deferred to next meeting.

Important dates
November 23, closing date for indoor soccer.
November 24, national area awards, Sheerwater Hotel, Ballinasloe.
December 3, closing date for entry to HSE Community Games Healthy Events Awards.
December 4, county meeting in the West County Hotel at 9pm.
December 7, exhibition and presentations, Keep Clare Clean competition.
December 9, Munster AGM, Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee at 2pm
February 22-23, National AGM, Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore.
March 30, Munster finals, Tralee.
September 16, closing date to submit HSE Community Games Healthy Events.

Healthy Events Awards 2013
At the Clare AGM Áine O’Sullivan, national committee, gave a presentation on the HSE Community Games Healthy Events Awards. All registered Community Games are eligible to participate, irrespective of the size of the area.

Areas can fill in the application form by December 3 and they have until September 16, 2013 to submit to the national committee evidence of their work.