Wednesday 16 January 2019: Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting was well attended with 24 present. Members were welcomed by President Paddy McGowan who expressed his pleasure that Club Secretary, Gerry McGonigle was back on the top table to ensure all ran smoothly. Gerry distributed copies of the minutes of the 2018 Annual General Meeting which were taken “as read” after members had been given a few minutes to look over them. Club Treasurer, Albert Allen, then presented the accounts for the calendar year 2018; there was general satisfaction that these showed a healthy balance going forward. The Secretary’s report took the form of a review of the year, highlighting significant events such as the Annual Inter-Club Quiz in April and the All-Ireland Probus Rally in Tralee in May. At the Annual Remembrance Day Service in October, the inspecting Officer was Dunkirk veteran, centenarian and Probian, Mr Bob Lingwood, MM. In December the Club held its annual Christmas Luncheon to which were invited the widows of past members of the club. Entertainment was provided by the Strule River String Band and the luncheon thoroughly enjoyed by all 62 members and guests.
Out-going President Paddy McGowan, MBE. JP. offered sincere thanks to all who had supported him during his year in office before formally proposing 1st Vice-president, Oliver Loughran as President for 2019. Having received his Chain of Office and the acclaim of members, Oliver took the Chair and conducted the election of Officers for 2019. Michael Cooney was elected 1st Vice-President and Hugh Ward, 2nd Vice-President which means that the club can look forward with confidence to the next three years; Michael will follow Oliver into the Chair in 2020 and Hugh in 2021.