The club Juvenile AGM took place on Friday night marking a disrupted but still ultimately successful year which continued to build on the foundations laid in recent years.
The outgoing chairman Ray Harris spoke of the unforeseen challenges that Covid 19 had brought but was keen to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all parents and children in maintaining perfect adherence to all health protocols.
He also spoke of the dedication of those involved in coaching and their commitment to developing children of all ages from nursery up to minor.
Special mention went to the girls under 14 team who ended the year as county champions as well as the Under 13 and 15 boys teams who made county finals.
Ray indicated that after five years he was stepping aside as juvenile chairman which prompted glowing tributes to his work, dedication and commitment over the past five years.
Declan McBennett gave the secretary’s address stating that in his view, the numbers participating, the quality of coaching, the programmes undertaken by both local schools and the club when combined with the expanded facilities and the dedication of the children means the club is in a very healthy state with strong foundations to build on.
He called on all those present to renew their efforts in a co-ordinated way to build on recent successes and engage in a five year plan to grow the clubs juvenile structures even further.
Coaching Officer Aidan O’Rourke then outlined plans for future sustainable athletic development programmes in keeping with the clubs coaching values.
The election of officers saw Declan McBennett elected as chairperson and Declan Conlon take on the role of secretary.
Further contributions heaped praise on Petie Rice for his work on acquiring new sponsors and noted the success of the school coaching programme and the need for all to complete safeguarding courses.
Coaching teams will be finalised in the coming weeks ahead of the new season.
The meeting concluded with club chairman Aidan Rice again paying tribute to Ray Harris and wishing the new officers well in their respective roles
