Club AGM held Friday Jan 16th 2015

Last Friday 16th saw the AGM of Mitchelstown Tennis Club take place at the Firgrove Hotel.

Turnout was lower than last year; however the AGM was still well attended with the club’s members represented across all grades and “time served”. It was great to see and hear from those that had opinions to voice in relation to the future running of the club, and to this end the 2015 Executive Committee sees some new faces taking the reins of various important positions.

The outgoing Secretary (Micheal Rea), Treasurer (Pat Hanley), and Chairman (Ciaran O’Kennedy) gave their respective reports. Micheal’s report focused on the work done throughout 2014 by all members of the Executive and Sub-Committees and praised the volunteer ethos of the hours spent by many running the club – particularly the success of all involved in the 50/50 Lotto. Ciaran as ever spoke with an eye on the future, focusing on the challenges ahead and plans around “Stage 3” of the clubs development plan. Pat Hanley gave exacting detail as to the club finances and painted and healthy but cautious outlook for the coming year.

Special mention was made of those local businesses that have supplied the 50/50 Lotto cards for sale across the town. Thanks was also given to those sponsors that have supported various club tournaments over the past year.

Following some discussions on points raised by members following the various reports above, it came time to elect the Executive Committee for 2015. The following is the breakdown:

  • Chairman & Adult Male Officer: Ciaran O’Kennedy
  • Treasurer: Pat Hanley
  • Assistant to Treasurer: Helena O’Brien
  • Secretary: Micheal Rea
  • PRO: Catherine Rea
  • Membership Secretary: Mary Quigley Clancy
  • Junior Male Officer: John Paul Cotter
  • Junior Female Officer: Yet To Be Decided
  • Adult Female Officer: Elodie Ruelle
  • Maintenance Officer: Aidan McNamara
  • Fundraising Officer: Mike Waldron

Unfortunately we were unable to elect a Junior Female Officer on the night. It is hoped that this vitally important position can filled prior to the first Executive Committee meeting in early February. If anyone reading this is interested in the position, please contact any of the members above to discuss, or message us on Facebook.

A new Honorary Member was proposed and carried – welcome Vera O’Keefe to the wall of Mitchelstown Tennis Club legends. Vera joins other members that have supported the club down through the years with an unyielding level of support – Margaret & Maurice Sheehy and John Waldron.

Speaking of John Waldron, he was once again elected to the position of Honorary President. John has been a stalwart of the club for many decades and is one of the clubs premier supporters of events both home and away.

This year sees a new Club Captain in the form of Liam Kent. The position of Club Captain is an important one, whereby Liam will be the channel and chief proponent of the clubs competitive spirit and will to succeed across all levels of playing ability.

There are 4 sub-committees to be filled. These are groups responsible for driving dedicated key areas of the club, such as Adults, Juniors, Maintenance, and Fundraising. Special mention goes to the Fundraising sub-committee of 2014 (Liam O’Grady & Denis Motherway), who are back again for this year to help support the continuing development of the club.

The Maintenance sub-committee is again led by Aidan McNamara, to be actively supported this year by Sean Keane, Michael Waldron, Micheal Rea.

The Adult and Junior sub-committees need your help! We are inviting interested members to get involved in the organisation and running of the various club tournaments, coaching, and team selection for both Adult and Junior events. You can contact Elodie, John Paul, or any of the names listed above if you feel you can help!

Finally, the AGM was closed with an address from the Chairman, thanking everyone for their continued support of the tennis club and wish all members well for the new year.