Chairman’s Report 2021

07/06/2021

I would like to thank all members for attending this evening’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.

As this will be my fifth year as Chairman, it means in the interest of good governance that this will also be my last year.

It has been a privilege to serve the club and its members over the last five years and has been exciting to see how the club has evolved while still staying true to it’s core values.

In the past five years we have moved our collection of all monies from 100% cash to entirely digital collection, which has given us the opportunity to direct the energies of the committee to a more pro-active approach. We have seen the berth of all-girl teams, community programs that have helped ingrain the club further within the community, and have planned and almost fully funded a new clubhouse project without significant fundraising. We have grown the player base from 194 players, to over 300, and have extended our age range from Under 16 to Adult.

On the pitch we have seen success in all age groups and witnessed our players progress to FAI ETP level, National League Academies, and sign professional contracts. Our teams have travelled to various parts of Europe and represented the club, town, and country with dignity. We also had the pleasure of seeing so many coaches, young and old, move along the coach education pathway.

We have faced significant challenges throughout, including the ever-changing football calendar, the introduction of underage National leagues, and a global pandemic.

I would like to thank everyone for their help in achieving so much.

In particular, our Vice Chair and Director of Coaching Rory Kerr, who has worked tirelessly to help shape the direction of the club and its players and coaches.

I would also like to sincerely thank my fellow outgoing committee members, Secretary Louise O’Hanlon, Treasurers Damian Scott and Karl White, PRO Anne McGuire, CWO Lauren McGinn, and Kit Manager Barbara Byrne who have given so much time and have made personal sacrifices to help the club continue to grow and improve for all its members.

I would also like to thank the clubhouse development committee and in particular its Chairperson Hazel Martin for her energy and professionalism in making our dream of a new facility a reality. The expertise of its other members Brian Cooling, Richard Bruton and Joe Murphy was also invaluable to the club and is sincerely appreciated.

Of course the club would not exist without its coaches and volunteers. They are the lifeblood of everything we do and I thank every one of them for their time, effort, professionalism and for being fantastic role models for all our young players.

In my last period as Chairman my intention is to finalise and see through the building of the new clubhouse, see the club receive the highest FAI Club Mark award, and should tonight’s vote on the Merger with Drogheda United be positive, ensure that the future of the club, its members, and children's football in the area is positive and secure.

Finally I would like to thank all the players and their parents for their continued support and good nature, so many have given so much for the common goal of representing our wonderful club with distinction.

Thank you all.

Graham Campbell