Shannon Notes Week ending May 23rd 2009
I suppose it's a much easier task to hold an AGM with the backdrop of a ninth
AIB league title, and against such a high for the club we had another huge
turnout which is sign of the health our club is in. However it was also with a
sense of sadness as we sympathised with Mick McLoughlin and his family on the
tragic, untimely death of his 26 year old daughter Michelle. Such a tragedy
puts life into perspective and on behalf of all in
With the AIB league trophy gleaming on its pedestal, it sat beside another All
Ireland title, the Women's plate, the charity cup and of course the U/16 league
and cup as well the U/14 league. For outgoing president Liam Costello it was
certainly an auspicious backdrop to his final official speech. He charted the
peaks and troughs of this eventful season and spoke most eloquently of his
immense pride in his beloved club. A lot of people played their part in the
clubs success and Liam was fulsome in his praise of everyone that contributed
to the club in any way no matter how insignificant they may feel it was. It was
very apparent to everyone that has worked with Liam throughout the season that
the honour of presidency was something he cherished and thankfully his memories
can reflect a great year. No doubt his late father Joe would have been so proud
of Liam's wonderful representation of
A second term for one of the clubs most loyal servants is a just reward for
Martin Clancy. He too is a man with pride and passion for
Chairman Jack Keane addressed the meeting and began with memories of this time
last year and the questions that were being asked back then which were more than
adequately answered with the winning of the AIL . He too thanked all associated
with the club and made particular mention of our Club medical Doctor Darragh
Little who has given over 35 years unstinting service to the club. In tough
economical times he outlined the valuable contribution of our main sponsors O2
and O' Neill's, along with others that have assisted financially throughout the
year. Going forward he reported on the ongoing developmental plans for Coonagh
and
Hon. Secretary Tadgh Crowe highlighted the ladies win in the All Ireland plate
and the representative honours bestowed on the very many Club players at both
underage and senior level. On a negative note he explained the threat that the
underage section is under from the proposed schools /clubs agreement which
would see a further disenfranchising of the role that clubs play in the overall
development of players. He reported that
The subcommittee reports were delivered in a very positive light reflecting the
season past and the full election of the committee followed.
The election of The executive committee in full is President, Martin Clancy,
Vice President Pat O'Connor, Junior Vice President Eddie Price. Chairman Jack
Keane, Hon Sec. Tadgh Crowe and after an election Ger Mc Closkey was returned
as Asst. Hon Sec. Hon. Treasurer Tim O'Donoghue, Asst Hon Treasurer Tom
Caulfield. Executive Officer Pat
The meeting concluded with a minutes silence for deceased members and obviously
particular memories of Frankie were evoked.
Reflection is quite often a very personnel thing, but luckily in Shannon we can
collectively reflect on a superb season, the pinnacle of which came in Thomond
park last Saturday week. It's true to say that the sum of the small parts make
the greater good and never has this been as true as it is in our club.
>From the U/6 coaches all the way up to Geoff and his management team, each
every contributor is deserving of praise. The wining of trophies and
competitions isn't always a mark of a successful season. Coupled with
Underage coaches aren't alone in the sacrifices made in the name of Shannon,
our adult coaches, managers and back up personnel to male and female sides are
equally committed to the cause. Even if silverware wasn't gleaned, they too
played their part and the general body of membership should be incepted to
these selfless people.
Players are obviously central to any rugby club and with the example of our senior
side filtering throughout the club we are in good stead for the future. It's
the players that win and lose on the pitch but regardless of achievements it is
the players that will remain at the core of
We dealt with extra ordinary highs this year and a number of lows. Frankie past
on, Mick Bourke past on, but the club remains, and will continue to do so, but
we will always remember our friends past. The obvious high was the AIB league,
but for me a very close second was the awarding of club persons of the year to
Ann and Violet on the presidents night. It was such a special occasion and the
reactions of both ladies showed what the club meant to them, but more
importantly the ovation they received showed them what they mean to the club.
I'd like to thank Des O'Dea for his work on our website and send out a request
for assistance to anyone interested in helping us upgrade the site during the
summer and maintaining it during the season.
Finally, I'd personally like to thank everyone in the club for making this
another memorable season. To the media and news outlets for their coverage and
assistance throughout the year and to all that have helped me throughout
another busy season, a big thank you.
Enjoy the summer and we'll see you all in September.