Report from AGM

Body: 

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Wicklow held their annual AGM in Lynhams of Laragh on Thursday 12th September. This was an all-county AGM and registration evening, many thanks to the schools in attendance and to those who sent their apologies.

Sinead Ní Chreán Loinsigh, Cathaoirleach, opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance and acknowledging and thanking all those involved in the promotion of Gaelic games and culture in our county, teachers, retired teachers, clubs, G.D.A’s and the Cumann na mBunscol Cóiste. Sineád gave special mention and congratulations to leas-cathaoirleach Jim O’Riordan who was awarded the Pat Trainor Award at the Cornmarket Cumann na mBunscol National Awards last March. This award honours those who have made a lifetime of contribution to the promotion of Gaelic games in our schools.

Sinead was keen to acknowledge the very successful Young Whistler courses in both hurling/camogie and Gaelic football that have been rolled out across the county. Thanks to the support of our Games Development Officers in this initiative.

The Treasurer and PRO reports followed with Pamela McDermott PRO thanking local media outlets for their continued support to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin. She reminded schools to send in articles, player profiles, match reports etc. for publication in local newspapers and on our website www.cnmbwicklow.ie and reminded us of the importance of using Allianz as much as possible in our tweets, articles and when taking photographs as they are the main sponsors of Cumann na mBunscol. #AllianzIreland #AllianzCnmb

Gary McGillycuddy, Boys Football Officer, Ronan Keddy, Hurling Officer and Cormac Ó Buachalla, Girls Football Officer all gave their respective reports, highlighting the success of the blitz days and noting the increase in the number of schools attending and the focus on skills development. Each praised the work of the Games Development Officers and thanked local grounds for the use of their facilities, the North East officers thanked Bray Emmets, Dave Barry and Micheál O Murchú especially for their help in organising and co-ordinating blitz days.

Tommy Brennan, West Wicklow, again thanked the GDA’s for all that they do and recognised that without them the games and blitz days would not be as successful and enjoyable. He noted that the lack of indoor facilities in West Wicklow was proving a challenge to the promotion and participating in games over the winter months. Billy Cuddihy, Tráth na gCeist co-ordinator spoke on the growth in popularity of the quiz and gave a brief outline of the quiz night, while Padraig Murphy, South Wicklow again thanked the G.D.A’s for having the pitches organised and referees at the ready to commence games on time.

GAA County board representative and coaching officer Brendan Smyth thanked schools for all that they do and ensured the continued support of the county board in the future. He stressed the importance of Games Promotion Officers in the development of GAA in our schools and clubs and his vision for the focus on skills development in our young players through the promotion of Garden County Academies.

Breda Donnelly, Development officer with Wicklow Camogie was keen to highlight that all camogie games for girls 12 years and under should be participation based and are so at club level, she said this focus has seen a huge improvement being made in skill level in recent years. Breda gave her support to the new Camogie officer Ciara Fagan and we look forward to seeing camogie grow and develop even further in our county through their work.

Officers new and old were returned to the cóiste:

Sineád Ní Chreán Loinsigh, Cathaoirleach; Jim O’Riordan, Leas-Cathaoirleach; Claire Frawley, Runai; Pamela McDermott, PRO; Emer Fahy, Cisteoir; Billy Cuddihy, Quiz Co-ordinator; Boys Football Officer, Gary McGillycuddy; Hurling Officer, Eamonn Hughes; Girls Football Officer, Ronan Keddy; Camogie Officer, Ciara Fagan; West Representative, Tommy Brennan; South Representatives, Padraig Murphy and committee member Orla McCarthy.  Cathaoirleach Sineád Ní Chreán Loinsigh drew the AGM to a close and wished schools all the best in the years sporting activities.

Photo

https://photos.app.goo.gl/393ViHMwcB8HYSAv8