Last Sunday, 18th July 2010, the IIHA held its Annual General Meeting at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Although not as well attended as in pervious years, those who did attend gave a very good account for the members of the association. Those present made valuable comments in relation to the activities of the association and its future direction. It is evident that the passion for our sport is still rife amongst our members.
Things started off on time and the Executive Committee and Directors gave an update on the status of incorporation. After much discussion and on a show of hands, the members backed the association to be incorporated into a new company limited by guarantee (not having a share capital) with the necessary correction of what is stated in our Memorandum & Articles of Association as follows:
From: The main objects for which the Association is established are: – to foster and encourage the sport of amateur ice hockey throughout Ireland and to serve as the governing body of amateur ice hockey in Ireland.
To: The main objects for which the Association is established are: – to foster and encourage the sport of amateur ice hockey throughout Ireland and to serve as the governing body of amateur ice hockey in Ireland (excluding Northern Ireland).
[please note: “Ireland” means the whole island of Ireland]
It must be clarified again that the eligibility of players to play for the Irish national teams and in the IIHA’s domestic leagues has nothing to do with the above or our Memorandum & Articles of Association. These issues are governed by the IIHF Statutes & Bylaws and/or the appropriate IIHF Regulations.
After this, the guest speaker, Mick Cummins, spoke very emotionally of a rather unfortunate situation regarding one of the members of the association. Mick informed the members that Genevieve Veldhuis (Cubs IHC) has been recently diagnosed with cancer and will start treatment very soon. Mick sought help from the members to assist in fundraising for Genevieve’s treatment.
Anyone who would like to help can contact Mick via the IIHA at office@iiha.org. We all wish Genevieve the best with her illness and her treatment.
Following this, the President, William Fay, gave his report which was followed by the Treasurer’s Report by Jonathan Dunne. The IIHA’s accounts were also approved after which, the remaining members of the Executive Committee gave a report on the association’s activities. The meeting ended on time and all those who were able to attend must be thanked as should those who sent apologies for their absence.
Thanks must also go out to Mark Bowes for recording the minutes and Martin Grant for assisting. Jana Gerkena and Andrew Guest should also be thanked for helping with the check in of members while the Fairways Hotel and their staff were extremely helpful on the day and the IIHA are very grateful for this.
We would also like to thank each of the following for their attendance:
John Hogan (IIHA Solicitor)
Marie Ahern (NGB Manager of the Irish Sports Council)
William O’Brien (1st Vice-President of Olympic Council of Ireland)
Please Note: All reports will be made available on www.iiha.org in the coming days.