The AGM of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club took place last Friday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Chairman Adrian Queeney reflected on a busy year for the Club. He commended the Club’s Senior hurlers on defeating Cappataggle to win the delayed 2018 Senior Hurling League Final. He also commented on the great work is being done at underage level, with several Pearses teams reaching the latter stages of their championship.
There was a special mention for Pearses U14 hurlers, who won the A1 championship. The Chairman thanked the players, coaches, parents of juvenile players, his fellow officers and the various volunteers who give their time to ensure the smooth running of the Club.
Pádraig Pearses GAA ran two main fundraisers this year. The Golf Classic at Mountbellew Golf Club was sponsored by Oliver Laheen Plant Sales and Monaghan and Sons, Galway. Strictly Come Dancing in November was held at the Shearwater Hotel and sponsored by Mountbellew Fitness Centre. Both events were a great success and the club is grateful for the fantastic support from sponsors, ‘Strictly’ dancers, sub-committees and the local community.
Also in November, the Club was delighted to receive the news about the success of its recent Sports Capital application where it received a grant of €69,759 towards Phases 2 and 3 of the Club Development Plan. The Sports Capital announcement was preceded with an award of a €10,000 Connacht Council Grant towards Phase 1 of the club development that took place at Ballymacward pitch in 2019.
Following the Treasurer’s report the election of officers took place, with Adrian Queeney stepping down as Chairman. The Club thanks him for his leadership and dedication in the role since 2016. Congratulations to Martin Barry who was named as the new Chairman for 2020. Shane Ruane will continue as Club Treasurer and Dorothy Scarry continues as Club Secretary. A full list of officers can be viewed on the Club website.