AGM Minutes.

Please see a summary of the Minutes of Sligo AC's AGM which was held in the Sligo Best Western Southern hotel on Monday 30th Jan. last.

Chairman Michael O’Connell welcomed all members to the meeting and gave a detailed report on activities throughout 2011 which has been a great year for the club. Michael highlighted the achievements of all medal winners from the club. Tommy Casey was congratulated on his Aviva Schools Award and winning the Senior Boys 1500m for a second consecutive year. Other notable achievements of James McGeough (Irish Schools) and Killian O’Connor (Irish Mountain Running) competing at international level were highly praised along with Emmett Dunleavy representing Ireland at the recent international cross country event in Antrim. Michael considered these honours to be a great reflection of the coaching staff and structure of Sligo AC.

Michael referred to the many successful events organised and hosted by Sligo AC during 2011 including Sligo 8K, Sligo Credit Union Road Race League (for which Mel Casserly was commended), Round 1 of National League, Connaught Track & Field, Streets of Sligo 5k and Connaught cross country. The year was rounded off by a very successful staging at Sligo Racecourse of the National Inter Counties & Even Ages cross country championships in November. This involved a lot of hard work on behalf of Sligo Co Board including Anne McHugh and Terry Hayes and many other club members who helped out. It was noted that the huge success of the event generated fantastic feedback nationally.
Michael highlighted that Sligo AC now has an official crest for the first time which will feature on all new singlets and gear and improve identity for the club at races.
Michael thanked Barry O’Flynn, Sligo Credit Union and Ciaran Donnellan, Amcor for their generous sponsorship contribution towards the cost of club gear and events especially at a time when monies are hard for clubs to generate. Michael thanked all the club coaches for their hard work especially Rory Connor who has assisted in many other additional activities throughout the year. Michael referred to the massive increase in registration of members to Sligo AC and commented on the huge success of the Fit for Life series which has brought a lot of newcomers to the sport. Outgoing Secretary Mary Foye gave an outline of registrations with over 300 paid-up members registered for 2011. It was noted that from AAI figures, club membership in Sligo had risen by 46% in the past year, by far the highest increase throughout the country. Michael O’Connell extended sincere thanks on behalf of Sligo AC for Michael O'Harts longstanding dedication to the role of Treasurer and continually keeping the finances in such good order, Michael O'Hart was stepping down as Sligo AC treasurer with well over 20 years service in the position.
Election of Officers was conducted and below are the 2012 Sligo AC elected officers.

Chairperson - Michael OConnell
Vice Chairperson - Enda Dineen
Secretary - Mel Casserly
Vice Secretary - Alan Keirns
Treasurer - Vanessa Foley
PRO - Enda Dineen
Child Welfare Officer - Michael Gilroy
Coaches Representative - Terry Hayes
Club Kit Manager - Seamus Somers.

Alan Kearins highlighted the importance of discussion with parents of juvenile athletes in terms of coaching methods, planning and expected achievements.
Suggestions were made to investigate having a subsidised club Physio, have a sports dietician/nutritionist give a talk to club members to which Ray Flynn has arranged for Chris Jones who coaches Fionnuala Britton and Mary Cullen to come to Sligo to give a talk/presentation on nutrition and coaching on 7th March 2012. More details to follow.

The meeting was concluded by Chairperson Michael O'Connell thanking everyone for their attendance and the first meeting of the new committee will be scheduled for February, date to be confirmed.