Drumconrath clubman takes the chair in Royal County
MEATH delegates elected new officers to eight positions at last week’s county convention in Navan O’Mahony’s, with Peter O’Halloran succeeding Conor Tormey as county chairman.
A little piece of history was created as Mairead Delaney (Dunshaughlin) was elected the county’s first female secretary, while Francis and Ciaran Flynn become the first father and son to serve at the top table.
Drumconrath clubman O’Halloran swept to victory for the top post, defeating the only other candidate Eamonn Barry (Walterstown) by 111 to 70. O’Halloran was the outgoing vice-chairman, having served a full five-year term.
In his acceptance speech O’Halloran spoke of his intention to drive on the Pairc Tailteann redevelopment and said he intended working with the clubs on the project.
The vice-chairman’s position vacated by O’Halloran was filled by John Kavanagh (St Ultan’s) who defeated Arthur Reilly (Boardsmill). Kavanagh received 140 votes to Reilly’s 41.
With the only other nominee, Martin O’Halloran, withdrawing prior to convention, Mairead Delaney (Dunshaughlin) became the first female county secretary for Meath, unopposed.
Jim Mullery didn’t have to face a vote either as he was returned unopposed as treasurer for another year. The Slane clubman commences his third year in the role.
Ann McDonnell (Summerhill), who is a former county PRO, was elected new assistant secretary after defeating Emma Kearney (Wolfe Tones) 104 votes to 73.
With outgoing assistant treasurer Brendan Dempsey (Trim) not seeking re-election, the position was filled by Francis Flynn (Seneschalstown) who now joins his son Ciaran (Dunsany) at the top table. The outgoing secretary was elected after defeating Eamonn Barry 106 votes to 74.
Earlier, Ciaran Flynn was elected unopposed as PRO in succession to Martin O’Halloran who had to step down having served five years.
Paddy Kelly (Kiltale) was returned as Central Council delegate, defeating outgoing chairman Conor Tormey 106 votes to 72.
The two Leinster Council delegates Brendan Cummins (Dunsany) and Francis Lynch (Kiltale) were both returned to serve another year, defeating the only other candidate Brian Carberry (St Vincent’s). Cummins topped the pole with 67 votes, to 54 for Francis Lynch and 43 for Carberry.
Jason Plunkett (Clonard) also retained his position of Development Officer, being returned unopposed. while Denise Morgan (St Colmcille’s) is the new Oifigeach Na Gaeilge, elected unopposed to succeed Cathal Seoighe.
The last vote of the night was that of Coaching Officer and the outgoing Noel Dempsey (Trim) was defeated by Greg Carry (Castletown) 81 to 77.
The adjourned convention takes place in Dunganny on Monday January 8th.
Motions passed
THERE were just two motions up for discussion at convention and both were passed and will now be submitted to Congress.
The first from Duleek/Bellewstown concerned the grading of players by their championship status and their eligibility to play in other competitions.
The second motion from Rathkenny concerned the ordering off of players for cynical behaviour (black card offences). Rathkenny sought that players who commit black card offences inside their own 13-metre line be suspended for the following match in the same competition.