posted — May 30th 2011

TED CARTY ELECTED CLUB PRESIDENT

TED CARTY was elected as President of Buccaneers Rugby Football Club at the recent Annual General Meeting of the club held in The Bounty. A longtime supporter of the club and generous benefactor, Ted is the Managing Director of the highly successful local firm Carty Meats, founded by his late father Oliver in 1950. Married to Susan, he has two daughters and three sons.

The boys Jack, Ben and Luke all play rugby with Buccs with teenager Jack breaking through to the club's Senior side last season. The growing involvement of his sons on the playing fields for Buccaneers was a key factor in Ted getting more involved in the running of the club and he is "delighted and honoured" to now serve as President, although he admits that he will have a tough act in following Pat Hynes whom he described "as the ultimate clubman". The incoming President presented his predecessor with a special Athlone Crystal Glass vase in acknowledgment of his year of office. In a brief acceptance speech, Mr. Carty stated that there many "challenges" facing him and the club and, with 19 teams now fielding regularly, all involved at Buccaneers "need to work together".

Secretary reports on "great year gone by"

With little controversy or contention anticipated at the A.G.M., the attendance was on a par with recent seasons. Outgoing Secretary, Diarmuid Morrissey, opened the proceedings with a wide-ranging report. The season went quite well with "the array of trophies on display being reward for efforts. Immense credit is due to all for the number of teams fielded" and he duly thanked this volunteer force. Pat Hynes had "chaired with great mettle" and Michael Cleary had "well loved and protected the pitches and grounds" so carefully that our three pitches stood up to an expanding season and the severe weather both sides of Christmas. The efforts of the Football Chairman Tom Conlon, on and off the field, was lauded while the recent Awards Night was a social highpoint.

"It would be a poorer club but for the efforts of our Ladies Committee" and three ladies were also singled out for their sterling contributions. Treasurer Sharon Ball's "forthright guidance in controlling expenses" was crucial and, while Sharon would give a detailed report in her Treasurer's Report, Diarmuid stated that "funding is at a critical point and getting harder. It is a thankless task but absolutely vital to the future of the club". Our various sponsors were duly thanked, especially ground sponsors Dubarry whose support now goes back decades, and the Secretary urged all members "to support sponsors of all types" who contributed to the club.

Jackie Pears was commended for her work as Child Welfare Officer while, last but certainly not least, "the untiring efforts and amount of work put in" by our Administrator Geraldine Kenny could not be underestimated.

The input of Public Relations Officer Michael Silke was acknowledged, his "feverish toil considered utterly irreplaceable!" That "often overlooked" group – referees – were complimented as were all the crew of The Bounty and the club's volunteer force who, under the stewardship of Senan Downes and Barry Reid (who also ran the successful Youth Discos), ensured the smooth running of Ireland's U-20 internationals and other representative fixtures. All in all, it was "a great year gone by" and he looked forward to "the campaign ahead".

Treasurer urges improved support for fund-raising events

Treasurer Sharon Ball gave a detailed account of the income and expenditure side of the club. "Income was down in many sectors, a reflection of the current financial climate but also due to a lack of fundraising in areas". Overall, there was a shortfall of 13,000 euro. Costs had increased and, with funds not hitting targets, some cutbacks were necessary. There was a range of capital expenditure carried out during the year too, including major expenditure on the main pitch bringing it up to International standard. Sharon urged "all members to utilise the wonderful facilities" at the club and "to support our fundraising endeavours". New ideas regarding fundraising will be welcome. A tight rein must be maintained on outgoings while fundraising must be improved if the club is "to avoid a serious deficit" in the future.

U-19 triumph highlight of Football year

Football Chairman Tom Conlon reported on the playing side of the club. The Senior squad under new coach Hendrik Marnitz won the Connacht Senior League but, despite a wonderful start to the Ulster Bank League, just missed out on promotion. However, there is now a stronger and vibrant panel with a bright future. He thanked Craig Milling, Micky Carroll and Co for their efforts.

The Development squad responded to last year's relegation with a 100% success rate in the Connacht Junior 1B league. Here the sterling work of Brian Moore was acknowledged. The Thirds side overcame defections at the start of the season to have a reasonable Connacht League campaign. The U-21 mentors including David Henshaw and Paudge O'Donnell undertook a huge recruitment drive pre-season, which meant many more players were involved and resulting in fielding a second team at this age level. The A squad reached the national playoffs, despite some key players being unavailable for many matches due to their selection on the Senior panel.

The U-19 squad found fixtures hard to come by early on but overcame that handicap in some style, culminating in a magnificent All-Ireland Cup final triumph. The starting team on that day included no less than seven Ireland internationals; a remarkable feat. The mentors of this squad included Ronan Bushell, Tony Henshaw, Martin Cahill and Tom Farrell. They were the outstanding success story in the club this season. The U-16 team won the Connacht League title while the U-17's had a memorable trip to France. Teams were also fielded at U-18, U-15, U-14 and U-13 with mixed results.

Tom advised the A.G.M. that the link with Athlone Institute of Technology has strengthened and "is coming together". He lauded the work here of Joe Cleary, Charlie Couper and Gordon Brett and "this very positive development augurs well for the future". He thanked the outgoing President "Big Pat for his inspiration and motivation" throughout the season and concluded that next year "looks like an exciting season ahead".

Diarmuid Sloane summarised Minis rugby in which there was a huge volume of activity including Blitz festivals. However, no fundraising was done in this sector but plans are afoot to address that next season. He thanked Charlie Couper and Tom Conlon for their support as well as praising the input of Michelle O'Connor and John O'Carroll. Ted Carty's support too was acknowledged.

Outgoing President appreciated support

Outgoing President Pat Hynes reflecting on his year in office "really appreciated all the support he got", singling out wife Peggy and son Patrick "who afforded him the time to be here --- and maybe next year too!" He thanked many of those mentioned above including Sharon, Senan, Barry, Austin, the two Micks (Cleary and Silke) and praised the work of outgoing Secretary Diarmuid Morrissey. "There would be major problems" without the input of our Ladies committee and he simply "does not know how the club would function without our Administrator Geraldine". Pat remembered deceased members, including former President Michael Byrne, Simon Grogan and Ian Geraghty, who died during the year.

The club performed well and all fixtures were fulfilled. The U-19 success was a great way to finish the season. He thanked "all coaches and mentors right down the club". Fundraising was "tough, and some supporters put their hands in their own pockets". Dubarry, Athlone Springs Hotel and ESB Electric Ireland (who unveiled their new name and logo at the U-20 Internationals hosted at the club) were thanked for their continued sponsorship.

Pat concluded by urging those present to "stay with the good work, and do it the Buccs way!"