AGM

Ciara Fagan, Cathaoirleach, opened the meeting by welcoming those in attendance and stating how good it was to be back planning for a full year’s activity for primary school Gaelic games in the Garden County.  All schools have been sent a fixture list and have been encouraged to register for events.  She acknowledged those who had sent their apologies. 

Éamonn Hughes, Cisteoir, explained that finances are in a healthy state of affairs and that we are looking forward to a full year’s activity where those finances will be put to good use in the promotion of Gaelic games in primary schools across the county. 

Next, PRO Pamela McDermott thanked the local media for sharing Cumann na mBunscol activities and she encouraged schools to send in articles, player profiles, match reports, etc. for publication in local newspapers and on our website www.cnmbwicklow.ie She reminded schools to tag @AllianzIreland #AllianzCnmb in tweets as Allianz are the main sponsors of Cumann na mBunscol.  She thanked Wicklow GAA for their support, particularly PRO Bridget Kenny, and the GDAs across the county who help to run our events.  She mentioned the Cumann na mBunscol National Awards and National Cumann na mBunscol Week, that they are well worth getting involved in.  She also mentioned that if schools are interested in promoting handball or rounders that Cumann na mBunscol would support them.  Finally, she wished Emer Fahy, former Cisteoir, health and happiness in her new school in Clare and Claire Frawley, former Rúnaí who is now living in Kildare, health and happiness in her marriage which will take place in October. 

Although the officers of the various codes were unable to report much activity due to restrictions running late into the school year, there were participation blitzes held for 5^th and 6^th classes in all codes in the last term which were well attended and successful. 

The voting of officers then took place, which saw officers old and new returned to the cóiste: Ciara Fagan, Cathaoirleach; Brendan Roache, Leas-Cathaoirleach; Brian Cornyn, Rúnai; Pamela McDermott, PRO; Eamonn Hughes, Cisteoir; Billy Cuddihy, Quiz Co-ordinator; Áine Quinn, Boys Football Officer; Brendan Doyle, Hurling Officer, Ronan Keddy, Girls Football Officer; Emily Stephenson/Saoirse Morgan, Camogie Officers; Michael Moran, West Representative; Pádraig Murphy, South Representative and committee member Jim O’Riordán.  

Looking ahead to this year, it is hoped that the Young Whistlers training that is planned for the North/East will also be arranged in other regions, with the support of GDA’s.  A 1^st and 2^nd class indoor hurling blitz has been scheduled in this year’s calendar to promote hurling at a younger age.  West Wicklow representatives Michael Moran and Peter Kelly are going to call a meeting in the west of the county aiming to set up similar structures that are in place in the North/East and South already.  It was agreed that for inter-county blitzes a team would be formed from a selection of schools.  It was also agreed that schools along the border can take place in blitzes in bordering counties but can only enter the skills competition in Wicklow and represent Wicklow in inter-county games.  Lastly, it was agreed that smaller schools can enter a mixed boys and girls’ team in boys’ blitzes.

It was great to see faces old and new in attendance at the AGM; and undoubtedly everyone in primary schools across the county is looking forward to a fun-filled year ahead.