St Martin’s GAC, Desertmartin Annual General Meeting was held on 15th Jan 2018 in the Gaelic Centre. After brief discussion on the Treasurer and Secretaries reports, the new Committee was duly elected, and it looks very much like the outgoing committee, with some small changes.
The Committee
Pat Kidd remians Chairman for another term, and was elected unopposed, as was Paddy Kidd in the Vice Chairman role.
Gerry McGuigan stepped down as Secretary after 5 years, and the post was taken up by Anne Matterson, with Gerry as Assisstant Secretary.
Brona Connery remains as Treasurer, with the Assistant role taken up by Shane Martin, a new face to the club committee, and very welcome addition.
Colm Breen outgoing PRO remains for another year unopposed.
The Cultural and Language Officer Shay Sheils, was keen that he could share the job, suggesting the help of Sinead McGuckin, and this was accepted. She is more than welcome, and will bring some youth and enthusiasm to the job.
Pamela O’Kane remains on as Youth Officer as per the outgoing Executive Committees recommendations.
Community Services Hub Project
After the elections, other business discussed included the plans underway for deveopment on a Community Services Hub. The project will require building works to extend the current premises and alot of planning and work on the part of the Executive Committee as well as the Community Services Project team, which are working away in the background to secure grant funding under the Rural Services Scheme, being administered by the Mid Ulster Council. This vision can only be realised with the support of the community for the community. In the coming months, there will be oppourtunties to test the uptake of new services as small trails of some of the suggested services will be attempted with the current space available. We would also appreciate if we could get as many of the local community as possible to fill out our Community Services Survey to help the Project Team to prioritise and focus their energy.
GAA Helathy Clubs Project
Another aim of the club, which ties in nicely with the Community Services Hub, is to attain Healthy Club status. This is a GAA Project which aims to harness and solidify the GAA’s presnce in the grass roots communities, and provides resources and support aimed at key areas such as Mental Fitness, Healthy Eating, Gambling Drug and Alcohol Awareness and non-GAA Physical Activities.
The Friends Of Desertmartin
Chairman Pat Kidd acknowledged that there is alot of work to be done, and that if everyone takes part just a little we can get there together. He highlighted once again the Friends Of Desertmartin scheme, which is an ongoing fundraising initiative, which enables dedicated memebers to give a little bit more towards the financial planning of the Committee. The scheme was roled out during 2017, and currently we have 37 patrons signed up to the mantra….”Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much”.