Roscrea Comhaltas AGM 2009   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · Features

The AGM of Roscrea Comhaltas took place in the Damer Court Hotel Roscrea recently. A large number of members attended the occasion.

The Secretary Mrs. Kay Browne reported that there was a significant increase in membership over those of 2008 with current membership standing at 25 senior members, 63 junior members and 15 family memberships. She also reported that the big undertaking of the branch this year was the organization and running of the Munster Fleadh Cheoil and with the consequent necessity to acquire finances to pay for the event, she congratulated everyone who helped raise funds in any way.  A great vote of thanks is also due to all those who gave freely of their time to act as stewards in the many locations from competition halls to the gig-rig erection and management.  The organization owes a large vote of thanks to the principal and staff of Coláiste Phobal for the facilities they provided for the hosting of the Fleadh.

Competitions

The Secretary reported that entries from the branch to competitions during the year were very good.  There were 42 entries from the branch to the Offaly County Fleadh and 87 to the Tipperary one, representing in total 36 more entries than last year.  The branch had representatives in both the Leinster and Munster Provincial Fleadhanna and won seven awards at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Tullamore. Branch members receiving All-Ireland awards this year were as follows: Cian Hanamy, 1st in 12-15 Men’s English Singing, Darragh Carey-Kennedy — 1st in U12 Banjo, 2nd in U12 Mandolin, 2nd in U12 Rogha Ghléas (a competition for your own choice of instrument – which may not be one for which there is a special competition e.g Banjo above), Tadhg Maher, 1st in Senior Men’s Singing, Diarmuid Ryan, 2nd in U15 Drums, Michael Ryan, 2nd in Senior Whistling

Great credit is due to all members who entered competitions this year and heartiest congratulations to all those who won awards at all levels during the year.

Chairman’s Address

The Chairman Mr. Pat Flanagan addressed the meeting.  Echoing the Secretary’s comments, he congratulated all who took part in various competitions during the year and stated that we were very blessed in the number of talented members we have.  The Fleadh na Mumhan he said had been a great success and all members and helpers were to be congratulated.  He said that a special word of thanks and appreciation should be extended to Roscrea Credit Union for their support and generous sponsorship of the Fleadh.

The session trail of last year will be revived again this year and continue for longer.  It offered a great opportunity for members to display their talent to the public and promote the organisation. Classes for the junior members were proving a great success and would continue in the coming year.  The branch has acquired some instruments to lease to members to train on and it is hoped to increase the variety of these in the coming years.

Other Reports

Mrs. Deirdre Bergin gave the Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Dick Conroy gave the PRO’s Report.

County Board Chairman’s Address

Mr. Pat Loughman, Tipperary County Board Chairman congratulated the branch on its hosting of the Munster Fleadh and said that the enthusiasm with which the branch went about the business of running the Fleadh was both enviable and admirable and a shining example to all of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.  He wished the branch well for the coming year and looked forward to working with them again.

Election of Officers

The following officers were elected for the coming year:
Cathaoirleach, Pádráig Ó Flannagáin, Leas Cathaoirleach, Luí Uí Chárthaigh, Runaí, Cáit de Brún, Cisteoir, Deirdre Uí hAimhirgín, P.R.O, Risteard Ó Conaire, Treoraí na Gaeilge, Liam Ó Doireáin, Iniúcóirí, Tadhg Ó Meachair Snr, Micheál Ó Riain, Oifigeach na nÓg, Tadhg Ó Meachair, Teachtaí don Bhord Chontae, Áine Ní Fhiacháin, Pádráig Ó Chinnéide, Caitlín Uí Mheachair

Votes of sympathy were extended to Mr John Gleeson on the recent death of his wife Nora and to County Board Chairman Mr. Pat Loughman on the death of his stepbrother.

This concluded the business of the meeting.