'If we are to be successful everyone must play their part' - County Chairman

In his address to a very well attended County Annual General Meeting, Chairman, Johnny Crowley said the first year of the National Finals in the A.I.T. Athlone was a learning experience for all concerned and he had no doubt there were many lessons learned which will be put right in time.With the building of a new sports complex and seating at the side of the athletic track, this should make the Athlone venue the best in the country.Having a state of the art venue for all our activities does not guarantee success, this can only come about if we all play our part. We in Westmeath were delighted to provided a good number of volunteers to assist the National Committee in the running of the Finals and I have no doubt, that when the request comes for the 2010 Finals for referees, co-ordinators, stewards and security personnel, then we are not slow about coming forward and offering our services.The Chairman went on to offer thanks to all our county members who turned out for the opening ceremonies, but unfortunately there was not the same enthusiasm for the closing ceremony when only a handful of people showed up. This was very disappointing for a county who have the finals on their doorstep and with all our south county areas within ten minutes of the A.I.T., Westmeath should have the largest turnout for these ceremonies, after all, they are every bit as important as the competitions.Johnny stated that a registration record of all participants who took part in the National Finals this year is now on the National computer. These registration cards have the competitors details and number and must be keep safe, as they are valid for four years. "Eventually we hope to see all the Westmeath children receiving their registration card which will bring to an end the need to produce birth certificates and photographs."At a recent NEAC Forum, the Chairman said, that a number of very interesting points were discussed, which if developed, could result in many policy and rule changes in the future. We will have to come to a point, sooner rather than later, when we must look at the list of activities on our programme and decide what events we should take out or include events with smaller panels. At the present time modern society is undergoing some very serious changes - family life, working practices and immigration which has a huge effect on recruiting volunteers at area, county and national level to implement this huge programme of activities.Johnny said that he could not let this occasion pass without paying tribute to the local papers, Westmeath Examiner, Westmeath Independent, Midland Topic and Radio 3 for all their help and assistance in our efforts to promote Community Games at all levels. I would especially like to thank the Editor and staff of the Westmeath Examiner, who, once again, picked up the National Media Award for the 'Best Community Games coverage by a Provincial paper'. He also appealed to all Areas to give the local media their full support. "Remember they are always willing to highlight the various activities in your Area."The Chairman extended his thanks to all who have given of their valuable time and talents, the referees, officials, Area personnel, clubs and organisations and to everyone who took part in he games during the year. I would especially like to extend thanks to the members of Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club for allowing us the use of their facilities to hold our County Athletic Finals and officiating at same.Concluding the Chairman offered his sincere thanks his fellow officers and committee, for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. "I would especially like to thank Vice-Chairman, Mick Brick who took over the running of the winter programme. To all the Area personnel for their assistance and co-operation throughout the year and would like to conclude by offering sincere sympathy to all who have suffered bereavements during the year".New County SecretaryThe Chairman extended a warm welcome to our new County Secretary, Julia Walsh who takes over from Dolores Christie who resigned earlier this year. "Dolores had been one of our most dedicated and loyal member of Westmeath Community Games for a long number of years where she performed her duties as County Registrar and as Secretary with great efficiency and pride.Following in the footsteps of outgoing Secretary, Dolores will be a hard act to follow, but one, we feel, quite confident that Julia will perform with the same enthusiasm and efficiency".Officers reports New Events For 2010There were extensive reports from the Treasurer, Michael Lynch who called on areas to assist the County Committee in terms of finance and the Games Director, Kay O'Connell who said the coming year will see the introduction of Under-11 Mixed Basketball, Model Making (boys and girls) Under-16, Mixed Relay Under-13 (3 boys and 3 girls) and if we are to successfully complete our winter and summer programmes, then we must revise at our county closing dates in order to meet the Provincial and National dates. With consultation with personnel from Mullingar Rugby Club, it has been suggested that we run the Tag Rugby competitions on a blitz with the club providing officials.Brid Leydon, County RTD reported an increase in area affiliation, while requesting parents in a number of former areas in the county to consider giving their children an opportuntiy to come into the Community Games fold.Delvin Win Involvement AwardCongratulations and well done to the Delvin Area committee, parents and competitors, who this year, were the overall winners of the "Jack Coleman Involvement Trophy". This is a very prestigious award given to the area which have created the maximum involvement across all the Community Games activities within the county.Representatives from Delvin will now go forward to the National Awards Ceremony in the Shearwater Plaza Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway on Saturday, 21st November where they can relax and enjoy an evening with other county area winners from all over Ireland. All county winners will also receive a National award for work well done.Officers And Committee ElectedThe following officers and committee were elected to serve for the following year: Chairman, Johnny Crowley; Secretary, Julia Walsh; Treasurer, Michael Lynch; P.R.O., Frank Harkin; Games Director, Key O'Connell; R.T.D. Officer, Brid Leydon; Youth Officer, Joan Daly; Children's Officer, Norman Dolan.Committee: Oliver Holmes, Margaret Daly, Mary Dunne, Noeleen Cuffe, Dolores Duncan, Seamus Gaffney, Eileen Collentine, Paddy Judge.