Bray Emmets held their Annual General meeting on Saturday December 1st in the Clubhouse in Old Connaught. There was a reasonably good attendance in spite of the inclement weather and it lead to a very interesting and effective meeting. (Message for non-attendees; you missed an interesting and worthwhile evening so keep in mind for next year!)
The AGM is a very important part of the club organisation as it gives an opportunity to review the past year, to highlight the areas of importance for next year, to elect the new officers and to deal with any motions. The review of the past year, which was produced in a very professional report by the Secretary, Frances Stephenson, demonstrates the great strength of the club. There are currently approximately 450 players in 36 teams comprising: Ladies Football, Camogie, Men's Football and Hurling who in total played approximately 450 games during 2007. Bray Emmets players represented County Wicklow on many teams ranging from girls' under 12 football, through the various age levels in Football and Hurling to Senior Football level.
On the development front, the club is well positioned for the future with the grounds now secured through the agreement reached with the Cosgrave Group and the County Board for the Luas access.
There were a number of changes to the Management Committee for 2008. Michael O'Byrne, outgoing Chairman, who has now completed his three-year term, was acknowledged as having contributed enormously to the success of club both as team mentor and as administrator. He oversaw the critical negotiations regarding the grounds and the club can now look to the future with security, something that was at risk on a number of occasions. Thanks Michael for a job well done.
The Vice Chairman, John Henderson, is also taking a back seat for a while (a short while?). John has contributed enormously to the club development over the years and is one of the key influences that lead to Bray Emmets winning 3 Minor Hurling championships in recent years in addition to the other key roles he played in developing the club structures and facilities. Thanks John.
The incoming Committee now is Cathaoirleach- Gerard Murphy, Leas Cathaoirleach - Liam McGraynor, Runai- Frances Stephenson, Treasurer- Paul Cunningham, Registrar- Linda Wogan, Bord na nOg- Vincent Duffy, Adult Games Tom Walsh, Development and Facilities- Denis McCague and Communications- Dermot O'Brien. The incoming Cathaoirleach, Gerard Murphy thanked Michael OByrne for his major contribution to the club and then set out his own priorities for the future. These were, firstly, the completion of the development of the Old Connaught facilities, secondly, the development of coaching, thirdly, improving links between the Juvenile and the adult section of the club and finally, improving club Communications.
It looks like a busy year for the incoming Committee! Gerry seems to have caught the mood of the members as a number of contributions from the floor highlighted the need for the club to become more cohesive and to retain members not just for their playing career but onto coaching and supporting the various teams. The ideal is to have Bray Emmets as a club for life!
On the Motions side an interesting discussion was held regarding the Irish form of Bray Emmets. After some learned inputs a motion was carried adopting the name Emmet Bhre. |
Photos 2007 
out for the 
Emmets WWW.
