CLON SINN FÉIN AGM

CLON SINN FÉIN AGM

The AGM of the Vol. Martin Doherty Sinn Féin Cumann Clonakilty took place recently with a good crowd present. Membership was renewed, with a motion being passed that unwaged, students and OAP’s be given a concession of half price (€5.00) for the year. Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin extended a Céad míle fáilte to all, in particular the new members, saying that 2009 had been a mixed year for the party both locally and nationally. The Clonakilty Cumann had been busy right throughout the year, but in particular in the lead up to the local and European elections in June.

Rúnaí Paul Hayes gave a detailed account of the cumann activities which included: hosting a visit by Martin Ferris, T.D. in January; members attended the Árd Fheis in Dublin and spoke on various party policy issues; the Cumann initiated public showings of republican films including “Hunger” and “The Wind That Shakes The Barley”; there were numerous meetings to plan and action the election campaigns; the annual Easter Commemoration and promotion of the Easter Lily; visit by Toireasa Ferris the SF South candidate in the Euro election; the loss of one of the Town Council seats and the failure (again) to take a County Council seat was lamented; after over 30 years, promoting “An Phoblacht” ceased but supporters were urged to sign-up to postal delivery alternative; a number of fundraisers were organised pre and post elections to cover costs; members mounted a good “No to Lisbon 2” campaign, which saw both Arthur Morgan TD and party president Gerry Adams, M.P., M.L.A. canvassing in town; the annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration was organised in Timoleague and the town councillor continued to be active on a range of issues inside and outside the council chamber. A lively discussion ensued on a number of points on the Runaí’s report. The Cisteóir gave his report which showed the finances to be healthy, and had all receipts and invoices present for the last year. However, it had been a difficult and challenging year from a financial point of view. The cumann spent in excess of €7,000, the vast majority of this being on the town and county council election campaigns. The national draw was well supported and the fundraisers proved critical in having a positive balance at the AGM. After a general discussion, the election of officers for the coming year resulted as follows: Cathaoirleach – Séamus deBúrca; Leas Cathaoirleach – Paul Hayes; Rúnaí – Andrea Wycherley; Leas Rúnaí – Paul Hayes; Cisteóir 1 – Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin; Cisteóir 2 – Mike Hayes; PRO – Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin. The Cathaoirleach and Rúnaí were nominated as delegates to other party structures. After a bualadh bos the new Cathaoirleach Séamus deBúrca took the chair. He thanked the outgoing officers and pledged to work hard to up the profile and activities of Sinn Féin in Clonakilty in the coming year. Following interesting discussion/debate took place on a range of issues, with all members giving their opinions on the topics. Anyone wishing to find out more about Clonakilty Sinn Féin or would like to apply to join should ring Séamus on 086-4009649 or e-mail eolas@clonsf.com. All cumann members are encouraged to attend the AGM of the Munster Comhairle Cúige which is being held in Mallow this Sunday and will be addressed by Mary Lou McDonald, Vice President.