Bennettsbridge GAA Club held their AGM in the community hall on Saturday night in the community hall. A good attendance was present to hear chairman Alan Flynn welcome everyone on a bad night but with plenty to remember. The front table was adorned with 4 cups won during the year. There was the wonderful day in Croke Park to celebrate back in February when the club were crowned All Ireland Junior Champions. The step up to Intermediate grade did not hinder the flow of trophies and the team went on to receive cups for the county Intermediate league and championship. The year finished off with the Leinster Intermediate Hurling cup and it was again wonderful to see the fruits of a successful season on show.

Secretary Dick O’Neill read the minutes from last years meeting and after they were proposed and seconded he gave his secretaries address. He recapped on the success on the field and complimented the mentors of all adult teams for their time and commitment. He also thanked the medical staff for their time and efforts in getting players ready for games when in some cases others would have given up. Chairman in his address reflected on all the magic moments we enjoyed on the field one by one. In a very comprehensive address he also thanked the many people who gave their time in making the year the success it was. He mentioned the ladies who made sure players travelling for training never went back hungry. He also mentioned the ladies who got a match day shop up and running and as a result brought in much needed revenue. Alan also thanked the stewarts who keep control on match days and John Brennan for the Trojan work he does in keeping the pitch in such good condition. He mentioned the club calendar and thanked Mary Blanchfield and Billy Molloy for putting it together. He also thanked Maurice Walsh and Willie Dempsey for the photos displayed in the calendar and said it was now available at a cost of just €10. He said the framed photo of the All Ireland winning team would be available before Christmas at a cost of €30 and said it would be a must for every house in the parish. Alan also spoke about the planned development the club would undertake next year and said after a number of hold ups the plans are currently been drawing and it is hoped to go to tender shortly. Alan reflected on the many people who have passed away since last years meeting and offered his and the clubs sympathy to all their families.

The treasurers report was read out this year by Mary Blanchfield and said the club funds were in a healthy condition but due to the upcoming development fundraising would be more critical than ever. Mike Hanley informed the meeting that the club shop turned over more than €3000 with €500 profit and this he said has yet to be added to the club funds. PJ Cullen stepped down as joint treasurer after over 20 years in the job. 

The election of officers and committee was quick and painless with no changes at the head table except for PJ leaving his position meaning  Mary will take control of the purse strings on her own. Leo Mahon stepped down from the committee after a number of years and Alan wished Leo the very best in January when Leo heads off to carry out some voluntary work in Monbassa in Kenya.

Paul Brennan as Juvenile Chairman thanked the adult club for the support all year. He mentioned the number of senior players now helping with under age teams and hoped this would continue. He also thanked John Brennan for the wonderful condition he presents the pitch every week and giving the amount of traffic he works wonders. Closing the meeting Alan wished everyone a great Christmas and New Year and wished the teams all the best on the field. He mentioned the club calendar and framed photo could be ordered from any committee member.