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The Annual General Meeting of Cumann na
mBunscol an Dúin was held in the Donard
Hotel Newcastle on Tuesday 21 November.
The large gathering of teachers and
football coaches was welcomed by the
outgoing Cathaoirleach, Pat Watterson
who tabled the agenda for the meeting.
The minutes of the pervious year’s AGM
were presented and accepted by those
present. Mr Michael Hanly issued his
report as Secretary of the association
and each item was debated by the
members. Mr Hanly mentioned his
appreciation for the excellent work
undertaken by the Football Development
Manager, John Morgan and the following
coaches supplied by Down County Board,
John Crossey, Paddy Branniff, Conor
Laverty and Marcus Miskelly. He outlined
the various competitions organised by
Cumann during the School Year 2005-06
viz
¨
Indoor competitions in
boys’ & girls’ football, hurling and
camogie
¨
INTO 7 aside competitions
in football, hurling & camogie
¨
Boys’ leagues adapted to
school size and an open championship
permitting amalgamations
¨
Girls’ football
championship and representative match.
¨
Hurling & Camogie
Development Programme
¨
Table Quiz
On behalf of the
Committee, he thanked all who had
participated in the various
competitions, the principals, teachers
and coaches involved, the Down County
Board for their support, the clubs for
providing facilities, the coaching
officers for their professionalism, the
local press for the coverage given to
all events and Allianz for their
sponsorship.
While the secretary’s detailed report
was acknowledged by the Committee, one
glaring omission was highlighted. During
the last year the Secretary himself was
awarded the prestigious Pat Trainor
Award by Cumann na mBunscol Naisiúnta
for his outstanding service to the GAA
and to Cumann na mBunscol an Dúin in
particular. When this was brought to the
notice of all those present, Mr Michael
Hanly was given a standing ovation.
The Treasurer, Mr Gerry Reilly, then
gave his report which revealed small
surplus. He itemised the subsidies
allocated to schools to assist in the
purchase of Go Games equipment and the
Hurling scheme as areas of high
expenditure.This, however, ensured that
the money was going to those schools
committed to these initiatives and for
the benefit of the children. Mr Reilly’s
detailed report was readily appreciated
and accepted by those present.
Mr Pat Watterson, Cathaoirleach, then
spoke of his time in office and of the
immense satisfaction he derived from
being involved with Cumann na mBunscol
an Dúin. He emphasised the importance of
enjoyment of our national games and how
he personally appreciated the level of
skills imparted by the coaches and
teachers in our schools. He stressed the
importance of Cumann na mBunscol in the
promotion of gaelic games but recognised
that the present composition of the
Committee involved many retired
teachers. He appealed for younger people
to volunteer for the posts of officer
and, with this in mind, he was not
seeking re-election to the position of
Cathaoirleach this year.
Mr Eamon O’Hare, Down’s Games and
Coaching Development Officer took the
Chair to oversee the election of
officers for the current school year. He
thanked all those who had participated
in the activities of Cumann na mBunscol
an Dúin and emphasised the total value
of their efforts. He referred to the
present Go Games Initiative which would
ensure that every child was involved in
every game with the idea of improving
their level of skills while really
enjoying the activities. The following
were elected officers for 2006-07:
Cathaoirleach Mr Collie
Bell
Leas Cathaoirleach Mr Paddy Hardy
Runai Mr
Michael Hanly
Leas Runai Mr Kevin
Burns
Treasor Mr Gerry
Reilly
An Cathaoirleach, Mr Collie Bell, a
former Down star and a teacher in St.
Colman’s Abbey P.S. Newry addressed the
meeting. He thanked the outgoing
Cathaoirleach, Pat Watterson for his
input over the years and in particular
for the initiatives in the areas of
hurling and camogie. His leadership and
organisational skills were invaluable to
Cumann and he sincerely hoped he would
remain a committee member.
Mr John Morgan Football Development
Manager for Down thanked all the schools
for their assistance since he was
appointed to the post. His aim was to
help the teachers in our primary school
to continue the good work with
confidence. He announced forthcoming
training programmes for teachers and new
additions to the coaching personnel in
the form of Pete McGrath and Conor Hynds.
He assured all present of his continued
professional support throughout the
school year.
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