AGM 2015 Report

The AGM of the Old Tuam Society took place on Thursday last (12/02/12) in the Mill Museum, Tuam by kind permission of the Mill Museum committee. The main business of the meeting consisted of the officer’s reports.

In her opening address President Anne Tierney, welcomed the Old Tuam Society members and friends to the 2015 AGM. She extended sympathies to the families and friends of members of the Society, who have passed away since the last AGM. She also expressed sympathy with the Carney Family, on the death of Áine Carney, who passed away in Dec-2014. Áine took an active role in the Society, serving as a committee member and Vice-President. She will be sadly missed.

Anne also gave a review of the group’s many activities and events in 2014 and outlined the upcoming events for 2015.

Hon. Secretary Denny Hannon read the minutes of the 2014 AGM, and outgoing Hon. Treasurer Michael O’Neill delivered the Treasurers report as did outgoing JOTS Editor Brendan Higgins, who reported on JOTS sales and prospects.

The meeting then elected the committee for 2015. The following were selected: President: Anne Tierney, Secretary: Denny Hannon, Treasurer: Martin O’Donoghue, JOTS Editor, Ruairí Ó hAodha. Committee: Tony Claffey, Margaret Connolly, Brendan Higgins, Bernie King, Maurice Laheen, Noel McCann, Frank Mahon, Willie Mannion, Gabriel O'Connor and Pat O'Hora.

Under AOB, congratulations were offered to two Old Tuam Society members Martin O’Donoghue and Ruairí Ó hAodha, who both have had articles published in History Ireland magazine recently.

President Anne Tierney expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support. She gave particular thanks to the outgoing Treasurer Michael O’Neill and JOTS Editor Brendan Higgins for their hard work and dedication to the Society, over the years. Anne also thanked The Mill Museum Committee, The Tuam Herald, The Rustic Vaults, Jacinta Fahy and Johnny Ryan Photographers, John Gormley, Castleprint Galway, Corralea Court Hotel, the staff of the Tuam Library, Quinn’s, SuperValu, Spar, Bishop Street, Tierney’s Bookshop, Holdens and Centra Dublin Road, Corrib Oil Galway Road, Geraghty’s Maxol station, Vicar St and Ray O’Brien's newsagents Shop St. Galway, for their continued support.

As we are well aware the sources of revenue for a small society such as ourselves are fairly limited. The annual membership fees have remained unchanged for the past ten years. The committee has voted to raise membership dues to offset rising costs.

Over 65s will increase from €10 to €15, full membership with increase from €15 to €20, and the family rate will stay the same at €25.