Report by Philomena Brennan
The 2017 AGM of the Graigue-Ballycallan Gaa Club took place in Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanagh on Saturday 13th January last. Deceased members of the Club were kindly remembered by Fr. Liam Taylor in the 7.30pm Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh preceding the meeting.
Club Chairman, Dave O’Neill opened the meeting by welcoming all present and a moment’s silence was held to remember all club members and supporters who had died during the year. He wished Club President Paddy Purcell a speedy return to health after his recent illness. Club Secretary, Philomena Brennan delivered the report from the AGM in 2016 which was accepted by the meeting. Club Treasurer, Michael Egan gave a comprehensive report on the financial state of affairs of the club. He thanked all those who had actively fund-raised during 2017 and praised all the Committee, in particular, for their hard work in bringing in sponsorship for the Intermediate Final.
The Club Chairman then addressed the meeting. He placed on record the club’s continued appreciation to the Ronan Family for their sterling work in maintaining the club grounds. He thanked his fellow officers and committee for their assistance to him during 2017. He noted that the highlight of 2017 was the appearance of the club, after seventeen years, in the Intermediate County Final. He paid tribute to the players and team management and medics for their total dedication during the campaign and expressed his hope that 2018 would see the club take the final step to regain senior status. He congratulated all club players who had represented their club at county level at the various grades. And while 2018 would bring different challenges, he expressed his confidence that all in the club would work hard to build on the progress of the past year.
Vice-Chairman, Adrian Ronan then addressed the meeting and outlined some of the highlights of the Juvenile section of the club. He noted in particular the U16’s winning the Roinn B League Shield and getting to the Roinn B County Final, the school’s team on winning the Country Cup and of course the success of Feile 2017 being hosted in the club. He thanked all the mentors and medics of the various age groups for their efforts during 2017. He welcomed new members to the Coaching Committee and concluded by paying tribute to all who looked after the Social Media and Communications Sections of the club.
The following are the Club Officers for 2018:
Club Chairman: Dave O’Neill
Club Vice-Chairman: Adrian Ronan
Club Secretary: Philomena Brennan
Club Treasurer: Michael Egan
Club PRO: Brendan Hayes
Club Registrar: Michele Comerford
Juvenile Secretary: Claire Roberts