REPORT OF BRANCH AGM 2012

The branch A.G.M took place on Tuesday, October 23rd in the Shamrocks GAA clubhouse
Tullabeg.
Assistant Chairperson; Theresa Scully declared the meeting open and welcomed all present.
Secretary; Deirdre Byrne read out the minutes from the AGM of October 2011 which were
deemed to be in order.

Matters Arising:
Our acting Chairperson made a very poignant observation that our very successful
CD & DVD are now of great sentimental value to us all, now that Joe Monaghan
is no longer with us in person.
Trad for Trocaire was discussed and we plan to have a Sessiun during the Friday night
music, song and dance classes and it is hoped that everyone makes a small contribution,
money raised will be forwarded to Trocaire, when the date is agreed it will be advertised.

Secretary’s report:
Deirdre’s report summarised the events from the past year, which included the following:
October 2011 saw our Chairman Mr Joe Monaghan R.I.P represent our branch on the Irish
C.C.E tour of North America acting as Fear an tí for the trip.
November 2011 saw another prominent member of our branch Mr James Hogan being
elected as the County Board Chairman.
January saw our branch participate in the New Inn Mummers festival where both junior
and Senior groups won 3 overall entertainment awards.
The Offaly and Leinster fleadhanna saw many of our members doing very well in their
respective competitions.
Unfortunately Deirdre’s report ended on a sad note with the untimely death of our
Chairman Mr Joe Monaghan in June, our branch did not participate in Sessiun 2012 as
a mark of respect to Joe.

Chairpersons report:
A word of thanks was extended to Kathleen O’Brien and Jackie Hennesey for their great work with the annual Irish course, which took place during July. Also the efforts of everybody involved at Joe’s funeral on the 21st of June ensuring that he got a terrific send off was commended. He will be sadly missed by everyone, but as a branch we must continue to drive forward as Joe would have wished.

Karen on behalf of the Monaghan family extended a heart felt thank you to all members and friends of our branch.
The meeting was also informed that the Deputy Head of the Irish Embassy in Canada who is a valuable past member of our branch Hilary O’Brien ensured a tribute was paid to Joe, such was his international reputation and recognition.

Election of officers, which was overseen by the County board Chairman; James Hogan.
Officers elected were as follows:
Honouree Presidents:     Eric Mitchell, Tom Nolan, Michael Lynam, Joe O’Brien and Sean Monaghan,

Chairperson: John Gaffey, Assistant Chairperson: Deirdre Byrne
Secretary: Mary O’Brien, Assistant Secretary: Carmel Mc’Conigley,

Treasurer: Karen Monaghan, Assistant Treasurer: Maura Hickey
PRO: Michael Grennan,  Assistant PRO: Bernice O’Brien
Treoir Gaeilge:  Breda Grennan, Assistant Treoir Gaeilge:  Martina Delaney
Youth Officer:  Garrett Delaney
Child Protection Officer:   Theresa Scully
Auditors:  Ita Monaghan and Eric Mitchell
County Board delegates:  Carmel Mc’Conigley, Barbara Gaffey, Kathleen O’Brien

Looking to the year ahead:
In addition to the classes noted above. We are planning a big reunion event to take place during the next month or so, details of which will be posted when available. For 2013 we have in our sights the Mummers festival in New Inn, we will be involved in the St Patrick’s day celebrations, fleadhanna and of course Sessiun to name but a few things to look forward to. Watch this space for details of all upcoming events.

It was decided unanimously that once this AGM concluded that another meeting dedicated
To the memory of Mr Joe Monaghan be opened and this meeting will never be closed so that Joe can always be a part of our branch.