The annual general meeting of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA ), Post 9 (Athlone ), took place on Monday January 18. The Post was re-established in September 2009 and over 30 members attended the AGM in the NCOs Mess Custume Barracks, Athlone.
The Post chairperson elect, John Gorman, gave an overview of progress by the Post since its formation. He told members that chains of office for the Post’s president and chairperson have been generously sponsored by a local businessman, for which the Post are very grateful. The chairperson gave details of the collections taken in December 2009, and said Post 9 wished to thank all those who gave generously to these collections. In 2010 Post 9 intends to establish a lottery to fund its aims.
The Post treasurer elect, John Tuohey, gave an update on the Post’s finances to date. Post 20 (Mullingar ) made a contribution to Post 9 to assist with setting up the Athlone Post, as did national headquarters of IUNVA. The Post thanked members of Post 20 and IUNVA Headquarters for their kind assistance in getting the Post up and running in Athlone.
Secretary PJ Higgins outlined the plan for the Post to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. As IUNVA is a uniformed organisation, he reiterated the requirement for all members to have their uniform for this occasion. The meeting also reviewed the proposed colours for the Post flag, which it is hoped to have on parade for St Patrick’s Day.
The post elected the following officers for 2010: chairman: John Gorman; secretary: Tom Hand; treasurer: John Tuohy; vice chairman: Thomas Jinks; assistant secretary: PJ Higgins; development officer: Jimmy Nugent; recruiting officer: Harry Barclay; assistant treasurer: Stephanie Meehan; and PRO & welfare officer: Mick O’Connell. The hon president is Mick (Robert ) McCarth and the vice president is Geoffrey Cuffe.
Post 9 is actively looking for members. Membership is open to any Irish resident who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN force or organisation, whether he or she is serving or retired.
Post 9, as part of IUNVA, aims to provide advice and counselling to members and their families who have been affected by their overseas service. IUNVA, which is financed by membership fees, voluntary contributions, and fundraising, also organises social, cultural, and sporting events for its members. IUNVA is a registered charity (CHY 10066 ).
