Sport

Greene stays on as chairperson

December 17th, 2018 5:00 PM

By Southern Star Team

Ból Chumann chairperson Susan Greene.

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Special EGM in January to discuss rule changes surrounding called bowls

Special EGM in January to discuss rule changes surrounding called bowls

 

BÓL Chumann’s convention, 2018, held at St Finbarr’s GAA pavilion Togher on Wednesday, December 5th, heard reports from leading officers, all of which professed satisfaction with what was a generally successful year but also one that presented challenges on many fronts. 

Susan Greene, who has extended her term as chairperson for another 12 months, spoke at length in her address on the difficulties the Association faces due to escalating insurance costs. 

‘Bowling clubs have been proactive,’ she said, ‘in ensuring safety measures were adhered to and compliance in all facets was an absolute requirement going forward. 

‘The appointment of safety officer Michael Brennan and his subsequent sterling work with club and regional officers has she been hugely beneficial.’ 

The publication of the ‘Management of Health & Safety Policy Manual in relation to Ból Chumann na hEireann’ has highlighted awareness of all issues relating to responsible running of scores. 

The chairperson was fulsome in her praise for those at club and regional level who ensured a championship programme that included 21 separate categories ranging from boys and girls U12 to vintage (over 60) men was run off successfully. 

She referred too to Ból Chumann’s humanitarian trip to Italy in May as part of the International Bowlplaying Association support initiative in aid of earthquake victims at Ussita and said it was a worthy and worthwhile effort on behalf of the Association. 

All-Ireland events at Grenagh, Tullysaran, Boston and Westport were particular highlights and she alluded too to other positive developments such as Carbery regions’ initiative at Skibbereen Showgrounds and the continuing success of youths’ team events and the post-primary schools’ day at Shannonvale. 

Honorary Secretary Brendan Hayes gave a comprehensive overview of all the year’s activities. On a month-to-month basis there was a continual programme right through the year. Tournament finals, grading and Ból Fada festival scores were early season highlights and these were followed by an extensive championship programme all of which the secretary outlined in detail. 

The trip to Boston, Unlimited All-Irelands at Westport, the King and Queen of the Roads festival and Ból Chumann’s presentation night were also included among the list of events referred to by Mr Hayes. 

James O’Driscoll’s treasurer’s report was eagerly looked forward to and it was with relief he said that he was just about able to balance the books given the substantial expenditure incurred by insurance hikes, necessary travels abroad and the upgrading of safety measures by clubs. He too was praiseworthy of the work done by Michael Brennan since his appointment early last year. Mr Brennan also addressed the meeting, giving details of clubs visited and difficulties arising. 

Pat McCarthy PRO thanked all who provided details of scores and said the total over the year amounted to several thousand, a figure that represented high level of activity. He thanked the various media outlets and the many people who contributed to them. Delegates were welcomed by City secretary Declan O’Leary and there was a special welcome for Association President Liam O’Keefe, who had stepped won as a City regional officer after a 40-year tenure but retains the position of Association President. 

Secretary Brendan Hayes announced that no nominations for officership had been received. All sitting officers allowed their names go forward for 2019 and were deemed re-elected. 

Serving for 2019 are: President, Liam O’Keefe; chairperson, Susan Greene; vice-chairman, Pat O’Sullivan; honorary secretary, Brendan Hayes; treasurer, James O’Driscoll; registrar, Billy McAuliffe; youth’s officer, Dan McCarthy; PRO, Pat McCarthy; fixtures’ secretary, Harry Jennings; honorary life member, Kieran Harrington; Patrons’; Rev Dr, John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross; Bishop Paul Coulton, Church of Ireland. 

A special EGM in January will consider rule changes pertaining practice shots (Mid Cork), grading (City region), called bowls (East Cork) and changes relating to safety measures contained in proposals by Michael Brennan.

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