County AGM 2009-2010
3 March 2010, 3:03 PM GMT
Monaghan – It was a night of mixed emotions at the AGM of County Monaghan Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, on Monday 18 of January. A full and very enthusiastic attendance in the Laurel Lodge, Castleblayney warmly welcomed the delegation from the newly established Donaghmoyne branch. However this joy was soon tempered by the surprising news that outgoing Chairman Pat Beagan was resigning his positions as Chairman of both County Monaghan and Ulster CCÉ.
In opening the meeting, Pat Beagan formally welcomed the new Donaghmoyne branch which he felt was a sign of the continuing vitality of traditional music in Monaghan. Then, following the adoption of the minutes, County Secretary Mary Kirke delivered a comprehensive bilingual report on the year’s activities which was well received by the delegates. She congratulated all members who had taken part in the various fleadh competitions at county, provincial and All-Ireland level.
She extended special congratulations to Conor Quinn, George McAdam (both Tullycorbet), Caoimhe Ní Shuibhne (Carrickmacross) and Eilis Lavelle (Corcaghan) who all won All-Ireland titles at the Fleadh Cheoil in Tullamore. Mary Kirke stressed that successful or otherwise all the competitors were a credit to the county and she hoped that they appreciated that the enjoyment from playing traditional music was more important than winning.
In his address Chairman Pat Beagan thanked the delegates for all the support they had given him over the last twenty odd years. However, he felt that now was the time to step aside as he felt unable to give the same level of committment to Comhaltas as he had done previously. Mackie Rooney from Scotstown led the many tributes to Pat Began on the night. He summed up the feelings of those present when he pointed out that during Pat’s chairmanship all meetings had been conducted in a good spirit and without a cross word, a tribute to his abilities.
The election of officers followed with the following positions filled: Chairperson: Pauline Rooney, Vice Chair: Pat Beagan, Secretary: Mary Kirke, Treasurer: Francis McMahon, Auditors: Anna Sheridan and Breen Jackson, PRO: Finian McCluskey, Irish Language Officer: Mackie Rooney Youth Officer: Sabina McCague Ulster Delegates: Jimmy Connolly and Mackie Rooney
In addition Mary Kirke and Nellie Fisher were nominated for the positions of Ulster Secretary and Ulster Vice Secretary respectively.
For 2010, Comhaltas have organised the County Monaghan Fleadh to take place again in Scotstown on Saturday 29 May. Other events are: pancake supper and session in aid of Carrick Cancer on Friday, 12 February in Carrickmacross; music session on 16 March in Tullycorbett; Eamon Ó Muirí comhra gaeilge competition and Tydavnet Feis on 21 March in Scotstown; the Féile Patrick Byrne in Carrickmacross from 26 – 28 March; Corcaghan Feis on 25 April; Scoil Cheoil na Botha on 15 - 17 October in Scotstown and the Corcaghan tutorial weekend to be held during November.
Posted By Monaghan
