Banner Ladies Football AGM

A very successful and well attended AGM was held in the Lynch
West County Hotel, Ennis on Saturday, February 10th.

The attendance was briefed by Dr. Paul McKenna who delivered
a comprehensive account of the club’s activities in 2006 in his
secretary’s report. Highlights for the club in 2006 were the winning
of two All Ireland Championship titles (Féile Div. One
& U-14 Club Sevens), winning a Senior International Nine A
Side Tournament, reaching the Clare Championship senior final
for the first time ever and receiving two civic accolades from
Ennis Town Council. Dr. McKenna also stressed the urgent need
for more parental involvement in the club as with over 140 registered
players and 13 teams the club was now approaching crisis in terms
of team management and supervision.

Treasurer Bernadette Brennan gave a very comprehensive report
of the finances of the club and informed all present that income
had increased by 40% in 2006 but that expenditure had doubled
in the same period. The biggest single outlay for the club was
Féile participation which set the club back €9,339.69
in total when transport, accommodation, playing gear, meals and
sundry expenses were taken into account. Bernie informed members
that a break-even situation existed for the year and the club
will enter 2007 with a relatively healthy bank balance.

Registrar Maura Cavanagh delivered a very upbeat report informing
all that player membership had increased to over 140 players and
that the voluntary family non playing membership had increased
significantly on 2005 levels.

Chairman & founding member James Costello delivered a very
comprehensive address outlining the club’s social responsibility
ethos to the girls and young ladies of Ennis since it’s foundation
in 1994. He expressed his great pride in the achievements of club
members both on and off the field of play during this time. James
then dropped a bombshell in announcing not just his intention
to not seek re-election as chairman but to retire from all club
activities. He thanked all club members and players, both past
and present that had supported and befriended him down through
the years but stressed that he felt the time was now right for
him to move on and pursue other interests.

On the completion of his address and after sustained applause
by all in attendance an executive motion conferring the position
of honorary club president and honorary life membership of the
Banner Ladies Football Club was passed with regard to Jim. The
sentiments of the shocked attendance were expressed by Dr. Paul
McKenna when he thanked Jim for his immense and irreplaceable
contribution to the club and Dr. McKenna hoped that Jim’s ties
with the club would not be completely severed as Jim is part of
the very foundation stone of the Banner Ladies.
Officers Elected For 2007

Chairman: Pat O’Driscoll

Vice-Chair: Bríd Higgins

Secretary/PRO: Dr. Paul McKenna.

Ass. Secretary: Louise Henchy.

Treasurer: Bernadette Brennan.

Ass. Treasurer: Kieran Martin.

Regitrar: Maura Cavanagh

Child Officer: Mary Daly.

Cultural Officer: Deasún Hennessy.

Club Committee: Michael Culligan, Mary Lynch, Sonya Maher, J.J.
O’Dea, Kathleen Dooley, Kathleen O’Brien.

Honorary Life President: James Costello

 

Dr. Paul McKenna,

Sec./PRO,

The Banner Ladies Football Club,

Ennis