Outgoing Buccaneers RFC President, Patrick O’Meara, welcomed a modest ‘live’ attendance to the club’s AGM held in the Lower Deck at Dubarry Park in recent times.
Due to COVID-19 social distancing was in place while, for the first time at an AGM of the club, further members kept in touch ‘virtually’ with the proceedings via Microsoft Teams.
Dr. O’Meara stated that he was “truly honoured and privileged” to have been President in what became “a strange season”. He paid tribute to all the volunteers who put in a huge amount of work but the club “always needs more”. Secretary Michael Cleary “with the work and time he put in was an immense help” to him.
Although they “clashed at times, finances are in better order” thanks to the input of Treasurer, Ken Flanagan, with assistance from Eamonn Fagan and Geraldine Kenny.
Facilities Manager Pat Hynes “does what he says” and Football Chairman Billy McMickan “did lots of unseen work”.
“A lot of things would not happen” without PRO Michael Silke “who was such an asset to the club”, while Dr. O’Meara acknowledged the “good work, humour and smile” of Administrator, Geraldine Kenny, and thanked her for her voluntary work at the club during the pandemic lockdown.
The input of Youth’s Secretary, Brendan Wilkins, was acknowledged with an added string to his bow in the “technical era”!
Dr. O’Meara was particularly grateful for “the amazing work of our Ladies Committee” and he noted “the topclass service” provided by The Bounty to Buccaneers. He duly thanked the club’s sponsors, especially Audi Athlone, Dubarry of Ireland and Carty Meats.
Although “COVID-19 may hinder progress of the club”, he stated that Buccaneers “must have ambition to be the best we can”. He wished “the great hearted Kolo Kiripati” every success as new Head Coach while the club’s Academy driven by Joe Browne is “an exciting prospect”.
Dr. O’Meara concluded by stating that “the club will be in safe hands” under incoming President, Eamonn Collins.
New Club President
Roscommon man, Eamonn Collins, is the new President of Buccaneers Rugby Football Club. A native of Ballintubber, he is married to Trish and they have three children Emily, Molly and Brian. All three are at third level college and Brian is a former captain of Buccs U-20s.
Eamonn is an engineer by profession with a successful practice Boyd Collins Engineers & Architects based in Roscommon town where he resides. He played and enjoys a wide range of sports including GAA, Rugby, Golf and Soccer. Eamonn is wished the best of luck in his role ahead of what will surely be a challenging and changed type of season.
Secretary’s Report
Michael Cleary’s Secretary’s Report reflected on “extraordinary times” that brought “an early end to the season”. He reiterated many of the outgoing President’s commendations and singled out Pat Hynes who “although ill was still relentless in his role”.
He paid tribute to Geraldine Kenny who was “a terrific clubperson” and he too noted her voluntary work. He thanked Zantha Meyer for her efforts when Child Welfare Officer and he wished Kolo Kiripati good luck as Head Coach. He appreciated the revamped website and also the recent members newsletter.
He too thanked all the club’s many sponsors and urged everyone to support The Bounty which has now reopened. Buccaneers fielded 21 teams during the season but he warned that everyone must pay their membership subscriptions.
Those who died during the year were remembered including two former captains, Frank Daly and Dan O’Dowd, as well as a former president Tom Purcell. The passing of Bree Meagher, wife of recent past president Tom, was noted too as was that of Sean Brooks, a stalwart of both Buccaneers and Ballnasloe rugby clubs.
Mr. Cleary concluded his report with the “hope that all get the same satisfaction from the club as he does.”
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer, Ken Flanagan, prefaced his report by stating that “COVID-19 turned things on its head, curtailing income streams”. Nevertheless, “figures were quite similar to last year”.
Rental income increased and sponsorship was sustained but membership subscriptions were down due to some “inherent dodging”! Overall the club sustained a modest deficit in the region of €3,000. He feared “an uncertain year ahead” and added that “we all need to support our sponsors in any way we can”.
