The first AGM of Dúchas-Clonakilty Heritage was held the Parish Centre recently with Cathaoirleach John Loughnan extending a welcome to all and thanking everyone for their commitment since the organisation was founded almost two years ago.
The group has raised great awareness and interest in local history and heritage and John also thanked the various sub committees (lectures, museum), especially the Clon 400 committee, which was extremely active last year.
He paid tribute to the dozens of organisations and groups in the community, in particular the schools and three main churches, who embraced the commemorative year with enthusiasm and pride. As a result of their involvement, many of the events organised by these groups have pledged to continue to make them annual events going forward.
Rúnaí Rachael Cronin outlined a lengthy report of dozens of lectures, field trips and entertainment events, which were all well attended and all had their own different audiences. A number of publications have come on stream as well as a DVD of the ‘Lá Mór’ when President Higgins came to town.
John Horan Cisteóir outlined the financial situation, which proved to be healthy on the bottom line.
Officers elected for the coming year are Cathaoirleach: John Loughnan; Rúnaí: Marian O’ Leary; Cisteóir: Anthony Brennan; PRO: Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin.
Under AOB, Tomás Tuipéar reminded all present of the governments plan to abolish the Town Council and the related position of Town Mayor in May of this year. He put forward a proposal that Clonakilty should not allow the position of Mayor to be broken after over 400 years, and that a sub committee be set up to plan the organisation of electing by popular vote of the people a community-type ceremonial Mayor who would represent the town and it’s people at important events and when dignitaries came to the area. This idea received the support of the meeting.
