Leevale AGM Highlights

The club held their annual general meeting in the Imperial hotel tonight.  Coming so soon after the sad death of founder member Kevin Barry the attendees were in sombre mood.  Tributes were paid to a wonderful club member, with club president Finbarr O’Brien once again speaking in glowing terms about a man who will be sadly missed.  In their reports, both chairman Joe O’Flynn and secretary John Smyth reflected on a very successful year for the club, with the performance of Mark Carroll in the European championships, and Marcus O’Sullivan’s achievement of 100 sub four minute miles the highlight.  Success also came with the mens team winning the National track and field league, the junior men winning their ninth successive National cross country team title, and the juvenile section once again proving themselves the best in Ireland.  Kieran Donovan outlined the progress on re-vamping the clubhouse.  He said the proposed work had now gone out to tender, and a building worthy of Leevale would be in place by this time next year.  He appealed to members to get actively involved in all efforts to raise the necessary finance for the project, and praised the efforts of Minister Micheal Martin who had secured State finance of £50,000. for the club.  The officers elected for the coming year were Finbarr O’Brien as President, who said he was proud to accept the position.  Chairman is Joe O’Flynn, secretary John Smyth, vice chairman Tom Maunsell, registrar Eithne Ui Chonaill, PRO John Sheehan, club coach Donie Walsh, club captain Cillian O’Tuama, vice captain James McGee, ladies captain Carmel Parnell, vets captain Jerry Murphy, juvenile liaison officers Mairead Ni Mhaoileain and Martin Hosford.  Committee members are Tony Shine, Kieran Donovan, Arthur Zebo, Jerry Coade, Tony O’Leary, and Nick Walsh.  Outgoing treasurer Donal McCarthy dropped something of a bombshell when he announced that he would not be seeking re-election.  Chief reason was his desire to concentrate on his sprint training.  He did agree to remain as financial advisor to the clubhouse project.