Eoghan Rua ready for new challenges

With no contests for election of officers required and only one motion down for debate this was a very low key affair. All the officers were returned unopposed with chairman Brendan McLernon and secretary Kevin Mullan back for another year. Outgoing vice-chairman John Gaile stood down with local primary school teacher Gerry McAleese stepping up from the committee to take on the vice chairman role. Treasurer, Paul Grant and assistant treasurer Dermot Mullan along with assistant secretary Vincent McMahon are all back in post to head up the administration at the Coleraine club.

The treasurer and secretary both presented comprehensive reports on the past season while club chairman addressed the members attending. In his address the chairman said that while the club had made great strides in the last number of years it was imperative that they do not rest on their laurels.

He said the highlights included successes in camogie, football and hurling while the introduction of Ladies football was also a positive development at the club. The chairman indicated that there were areas where work was needed particularly at under-age where it was important to continue to provide opportunities for participation at all grades and across all codes.

“In particular we need to look at ways to improve participation at under-age hurling where numbers have dropped in recent years leading to difficulties in fielding at a competitive level in Under-14 and Under-16 grades,” said Mr McLernon.

“We have great facilities at Pairc Eoghain Rua but we must continue to look at opportunities to add a much needed training pitch while a hurling ‘wall ball’ and floodlights would be terrific additions, they would help development across the board.”

In conclusion the chairman thanked all who had contributed to the clubs’ activities during the past season and asked for continued support as the club looked forward to another busy year on and off the field of play in 2013.