Adjourned AGM

A total of forty eight members, including a liberal sprinkling of players, assembled in the clubroom for the best ever attended Adjourned AGM. Chairman George O Leary had issued a personal written appeal to the club membership and his rallying call obviously struck a chord with a record turnout. He kept the meeting moving smoothly and ensured that the extensive agenda was completed. Billy O Shea was installed as vice-chairman he will be an influential presence on the committee. Ger Ryan was appointed to fill the vacant position of assistant treasurer. He will bring a wealth of financial expertise to the club and will be a huge addition to the cabinet.

Alan Cunningham was ratified as trainer/coach for the senior hurling team and his appointment was warmly welcomed. He has a previous spell in charge of the senior team in 2007 and was very popular with both players and supporters. Alan sees the potential in the team and returns to complete unfinished business. Alan will be joined by manager John Quinlan and John Hyland. Gilbert Williams was appointed junior hurling manager and he will be assisted by selectors Dinny O Meara and Tommy McDonald. Paddy Williams was confirmed as U-21 hurling manager with Pat Shanahan, John Quinlan and John Hyland also on the ticket. Brian Gaynor continues as minor manager and retains Mick Cleary, David Quinlan, Eoin Hogan and Freddie Williams as selectors. The meeting rejected the suggestion that selectors be appointed for a two year term,

A lively discussion took place on the affiliation of a second junior hurling team. A number of speakers doubted the feasibility of such a proposition but Gilbert Williams pointed out that there were potentially 65 players over sixteen years available for selection on adult teams, including 51 players under 25. This intervention swayed the meeting and it was decided that for the first time in over a decade Kilruane MacDonaghs will field a third adult team with participation in the junior C championship. Manager and selectors for this team will be ratified at the next meeting.

The meeting debated the wisdom of affiliating football teams. Manager Brian Gaynor stated that he was opposed to the idea of affiliating a minor football team based on their experience of the last two years. A number of speakers felt that those interested in football would be catered for by the Thomas MacDonaghs divisional team. There was also unanimous agreement not to enter any football teams.

Len Gaynor was appointed to fill the complementary roles of Coaching Officer and Schools Liaison Officer. He will also chair the hurling committee. Kevin Quinlan was nominated as Injury Claims officer. Michael Hogan was appointed chairman of the finance committee.

A brief discussion took place on the presentation of medals. A sub committee of the chairman, secretary, Mary McLoughney and Gilbert Williams was established to make arrangements for same. The meeting agreed to honour the 1960 junior team which won the county final.

At the conclusion of the meeting Len Gaynor complimented George O Leary on the way he conducted proceedings and on the obvious preparations he had made to ensure that the meeting would be successful. Len’s remarks were followed by a spontaneous round of applause from the assembled members. Jim Williams echoed Len’s sentiments.

After the meeting concluded there was an audible buzz in the clubroom as people chatted in animated fashion. MacDonaghs appeared to be on the move again.