Scairbh

Na

gCaorach

EMYVALE

County Board Annual Convention 2011

Monaqghan County Board annual convention was held in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, on Thursday night, December 8th. I think all clubs were represented and the voting power was 113. Reports had been circulated and there were few questions as chairman, Paul Curran, guided delegates through the pages of the booklet containing the reports. Secretary, Sean McKenna, gave a detailed and interesting run down of the GAA affairs for the past year, which was a very busy one. Personally I was pleased that he mentioned the Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan General Hospital, calling on the decision makers to reverse the decision as the present hours do not suit footballers who might get injured at games or training. It would be hoped that those present might take that message back and impress upon the HSE management that patient care and safety must come first. Marion Donnelly gave a very comprehensive and clear picture of accounts which showed a reduction of about 10% in overall spending. Clubs were urged to get involved in the ASAP programme and the Club Maith programme and Drumhowan was presented with their certificate as the club has achieved a Gold Standard Club award in the scheme. After the interval the elections took place though there were only two contested. The list of officers for the coming year is:

Chairman - Paul Curran; Vice-chairman - Padraig Sherry; Secretary - Sean McKenna; Assist.Sec -Anita Finnegan; Treasurer - Marion Donnelly; Assist-treasurer - (after two voting sessions) Eileen Keenan; Central Council - Declan Flanagan; Ulster Council - John Connolly and Gerry Duffy; PRO - John Kierans; Youth Officer - Cathal Hand; Development Officer - Gerry McDonald; Coaching Officer - John McArdle; Hurling Officer - Sean Ó Coinneáin. The Cultural Officer has still to be appointed. Liam Stirrat, and Brendan Farrell had completed their 5-year term and so could not go forward, while Siobhan McQuillan and Eamon O’Hara withdrew from their positions. Thanks was expressed to all of them and also to John P. Graham and Noel Mullaney who failed to get re-elected. None of the motions caused debate and were passed. The home-produced Year Book for Monaghan GAA was launched and is a fantastic production and a ‘must get’. Well done to all involved.

     My Five years are up              and so are mine.