Clonard clubman Jason Plunkett was this evening (Monday) elected as the new Chairperson of the Meath Co Board at their annual convention which took place in Navan O’Mahonys GAA.
Plunkett, who is, or at least to the best of my knowledge, an efficient and popular referee whilst, in more recent times, has served the county valiantly at Central Council level.
Having been in and around conventions for the better part of 30 years, it was unusual, but pleasantly suprising, to note that there were votes contested for quite a few positions at the top table.
Most notably for the top job itself. With the outgoing John Kavanagh (St Ultan’s) obliged to step aside having completed five years in the hotseat (during one of which he came on as a sub) the now holder ofthe seat, Plunkett, held of the challenge of Damien Griffin from neighbours Na Fianna by 108 to 93.
Thereafter, Kiltale’s Paddy Kelly remains second in command without opposition, while Ciaran Flynn (Dunsany) will commence his second season as Runai having seen off the challenge of Seneschalstown’s Brian Kelly 109 to 89.
Then, Kelly himself was victorious in a contest against Alan Tormey (Gaeil Colmcille) thus meaning he too is beginning a second year as P. R. O. Each of Gene Smith (Nobber, Treasurer), his Assistant, Jim Mullery (Slane), Irish & Culture Officer, Joe O’Brien (Skryne) and Coaching Officer Eamonn Barry of Walterstown were returned to their roles unopposed.
Finally, in another win for Kildalkey, Nick Fitzgerald retains his position as Asst. Secretary having saw off the challenge of Rathmolyon’s Niamh Regan. Mairead Delaney and Brendan Dempsey will represent our interests at Leinster Council level and former Chairman Conor Tormey makes a welcome return to the top table as the Royal County’s delegate to Central Council.
Apart from the election of officers, the other major news to emerge was that the €700,000 mentioned in Gene Smith’s Treasurer’s Report as being owed to the county had been significantly reduced just before the meeting. Accompanied by a commitment the balance thereof would be cleared within two years.
Coming hot on the heels of the allocation of significant levels of Government Capital funding, it’s the second infrastructual good news story for the county within a week. Now all we need are a few of same on the pitch!
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