Monaghan u3a AGM

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:

Chairman, Gerry O'Toole opened the meeting by welcoming the large attendance and informing them that our membership now stands at almost 700 people! 

This makes Monaghan U3A the largest branch in Ireland.

However, he continued, whilst it is wonderful to have such a large membership, it does put huge demands on the wonderful, hardworking committee of volunteers which keeps things running smoothly. 

He then introduced the committee members and thanked them for their dedication and hard work. 

He went on to thank :

• Our tutors and instructors - many of whom are unpaid volunteer members.

• The venues we use, Gortakeegan Soccer Club, The Four Seasons Hotel, The Parochial Centre and Monaghan Credit Union.

• The Sports Partnership and Monaghan for grants received.

• Ann Mc Ardle of A to B Coaches for organising all our Irish trips. 

SECRETARY'S REPORT:

Secretary, Geraldine Kelly introduced our new website, www.monaghanu3a.com, which gives details of all our current classes and activities.

She then gave all our other means of contact, News in Northern Standard, Texts, Facebook, Twitter and two U3A phone numbers: 

087 343 2275 (Jane)

087 947 5188 (Geraldine)

This was followed by details of all our upcoming trips and activities, which you can also find on our website.

TREASURE'S REPORT:

Treasurer, Maura McDermott, provided a very detailed and comprehensive report on the branch's finances. She was happy to report that we were a position to present Crocus and Teach na Daoine with a donation of €1,000 each from our funds.

The chairman then thanked Maura and her assistants, Carmel Brady and Joan O'Hanlon, for all their hard work and explained that, as Maura is stepping down this year, he would be looking for nominations for a replacement Treasurer and Vice Treasurer in the election of the new committee to follow. 

Representatives, Mary, from Crocus, and Packie and Jill, from Teach na Daoine thanked U3A for the generous donations and gave a little talk on their work.

Tony Keenan presided over the election of the new committee for 2023. All members were re-elected to the same positions as last year, with the exception of Treasurer and Vice Treasurer. These positions remain to be filled and all nominations can be made by phoning one of the above numbers. The rest of the committee were then re-elected, together with a few new members. 

The meeting concluded with Gerry calling for a minute's silence for all members deceased since this time last year.

Tea and coffee were then served whilst Geraldine and Jane took names for trips and classes.