Annual General Meeting 2014

GOOD TURNOUT OF REGULARS FOR 60th. A.G.M.
by
Liam Caldwell

The 60th AGM of the Longford Association in Dublin, was held mid-November 2013 in Cassidy's hotel, Cavendish Row, drew a gratifying turnout of regulars. While everyone was delighted to see that, including Life President, Gerry Quinn, the fact that there were no new members nevertheless drew an exaspirated reaction from Gerry, who said "it's a pity there are no newcomers in attendance". He thought that in the context of generous mention of the meeting in the 'Leader' and on the Association's newly set-up website a positive 'bounce' might have resulted.

The Life President's expressed disappointment was the spark for a spontaneous and lively discussion on the whole area of attracting new members, which included constructive suggestions and observations from, among others, Tony Gilleran, Paddy Cunningham, Fr Seamus Connell, Danny Donohoe and Tim Donlon. After a reasonable time ventilating the issue, Fr Seamus said a full meeting should be given to the matter at a future date - even broadening the debate to consider the future viability of the organisation - perhaps after the 60th Gala Dinner, he suggested.

Chairman's Review Of The Year

Earlier, In his review of the year, Chairman, Dessie Kiernan, said that our 59th Annual Gala had been a very successful event and the award winners, Abbeyshrule and Frank Kiernan from Killoe were very worthy choices, he said. He told the committee that we must pull out all the stops to adequately mark our auspicious Diamond Jubilee next April.

Dessie paid tribute to recently deceased founding member, Mick Cumaskey, whom he described as "a wonderful character". He also extended sympathy to former Association chairperson, Yvonne Mc Cormack, whose husband, Se, died recently. The chairman thanked Fr Seamus for the "lovely Mass" for the Association in his new parish of Mulhuddart a week before and he acknowledged the generosity of our sponsors on the occasion of the 59th Dinner, naming them as follows: Anne Heraty, CPL; Tom Gilligan of The Duke; Red Cow Moran's hotel; Jack and Sheila Duignan of The Beachcomber; Jim and Peggy Mc Govern of the Goblet; Glennon Brothers, Longford and Declan Quinn of The Irish House Party. Although Dessie was too modest to mention it himself, Dessie Kiernan Carpets was also one of our generous benefactor.

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer, Padraig Connolly, after presenting his report said that but for the generosity of our sponsors, we would have returned a loss on this year's Annual Dinner, and thus forced to dip into our limited resources, he said. He thanked the committee for their help and co-operation, saying that he had enjoyed the year.

No Change In Office Holders For Jubilee Year.

See Photos, Click Here

Before the election of oficers, Chairman, Dessie Kiernan, dropped a clanger, announcing his intention to step down. However, after much persuasion by his fellow committee members, he allowed his name to go forward for another year.

And having been returned to the chair, Dessie conducted the elections to the remaining roles, the office holders remaining the same as last year: Vice Chair, Tony Gilleran; Secretary,Olivia Roddy; Asst. Secretary, Paddy Cunningham; Treasurer, Padraic Connolly; Asst; Treasurer, Paddy Mc Kenna - incidentally, in a previous existence Paddy was Association Treasurer for a full fourteen years; President, Liam Caldwell; Vice-President, Fr Seamus Connell; P.R.O. Liam Caldwell; Spiritual Directors: Fr Paddy Madden and Fr Seamus Connell.

Life Presidents were listed as follows: Gerry Quinn, Paddy Mc Kenna, Danny Donohoe, Tim Donlon and Paddy Cunningham (all of whom had been inducted into the positions at previous AGM's).

Longford Person Of The Year 2014

There was real energy around this agenda item, with many interesting names coming forward. There was general agreement that any one of over a dozen names mentioned by committee members would be worthy of the award. A final decision is likely to be made at our January meeting, though is unlikely to be announced till early March.