At the 49th Annual General Meeting of the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce, local based architect Eugene Waldron stepped up to the position of president, having served two years as vice-president. He succeeds James Kean whose term of office at the helm has come to an end.
In his final address, outgoing president James Kean circulated a diary, which outlined the events in which members of the Claremorris Chamber had been involved. He then stated that it had been a great honour to follow a long line of people who had served the community so well as president of the Claremorris Chamber. “The office of president is a well respected office, locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. “I have been very lucky in having a CEO to assist me in my office and I sincerely appreciate the high levels of enthusiasm and professionalism that Sheila Hunt brought to the position.”
He added that he enjoyed his two years as president and looked forward to seeing completion of some of the important projects for the town. These included the Western Rail Corridor, decentralisation, the return of the courts service, the eco–town project and the centre of excellence in education.
Mr Kean thanked those who attended the regular management meetings and gave him advice whenever he needed it. He also recognised the valuable work that all the voluntary groups carried out in the greater community. He thanked Clar IRD and FÁS for once again erecting the Christmas lights. In his position he enjoyed working with the Clare Lake Committee, the No Name club, the swimming pool committee, the Arts committee, the Athletic Club, the Foróige Club and many others too numerous to mention. “I wish them continued success in their endeavours,” he concluded.
The following officers were elected: president Eugene Waldron, secretary John Whittle, treasurer Brian Higgins, press officer Jarlath Sweeney and delegate to Clar IRD Martin Murphy.
