Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Thursday, 19th September 2024 at 8 pm. at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club
Attendance
7 members present: Ray O’Brien (President), Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), Phillip Foenander (Secretary), Laurent Talazac (Club PRO), Tim Dineen, Murali Kathiresan and Stephen Clancy. Absent with apologies: Liam Stack (Treasurer) and Neal Kirby (Asst Secretary).
The meeting was opened at 8 pm by Chairperson Niall McDonnell.
Minutes of AGM 2023 were taken as read.
The Secretary’s Report was read by Phillip Foenander.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Niall McDonnell in the absence of Liam Stack. The club’s opening balance was €2,048.46 on 3 August 2023 and the closing balance as of 28 June 2024 stood at €2,226.72.
2024 AGM motions
- 1. That the club enter a Limerick ‘C’ team for the Munster League, proposed by Ray O’Brien and seconded by Phillip Foenander. A team sheet for the A, B and C teams had already been drawn up by the Club Secretary, and many players had already consented to participate. The motion was agreed as long as all available players could fill the team sheets without having to concede walkovers.
- 2. To bring the Limerick Open back to a Limerick venue, proposed by Laurent and seconded by Niall. The club had to accept the West County Hotel in Ennis again this year as the cheapest venue available (€360 for the whole weekend) for the tournament on 8-10 November 2024. The club will try again to find a venue in Limerick city or county next year depending on venues available and cost. Supported by all present; passed.
- 3. Junior club coaching at Don Bosco in Castletroy, proposed by Laurent and seconded by Niall. Ray mentioned that this year’s coaching of juniors by John Cassidy will be on Tuesdays at a new venue, Mary I college, starting on 24 September 2024. Supported by all; passed.
- 4. A proposal by Ray, seconded by Niall, to abolish the Pavilion membership fee and increase the adult membership fee from €60 to €70 instead. Last season the club had only 6 Pavilion members instead of the 7 required by the Tennis Club. However, 2 members present (Phillip and Stephen Clancy) were willing to pay Pavilion fees to replace the shortfall from last season. Motion was not passed.
- 5. A proposal by Laurent to hold an online challenge match between Limerick club and Quimper Chess Club in Normandy. Laurent said he had been involved recently with the rejuvenation of the twinning of Limerick City and Quimper, so a chess match would be appropriate. The motion was agreed and Laurent will keep the club updated.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – Ray O’Brien (for life)
Chairperson – Niall McDonnell to remain (proposed by Phillip)
Secretary – Phillip Foenander to remain (proposed by Niall)
Assistant Secretary – Neal Kirby resigned and Stephen Clancy nominated to replace him (proposed by Niall, seconded by Phillip)
Treasurer – Liam Stack resigned and Murali Kathiresan nominated to replace him (proposed by Niall, seconded by Laurent)
Assistant Treasurer – Liam Stack accepted (proposed by Phillip, seconded by Ray)
PRO – Laurent Talazac to continue (proposed by Phillip, seconded by Niall)
Munster A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien
Munster B Team Captain – Phillip Foenander
Munster C Team Captain – undecided as yet, pending C team final approval
Any other business
- 1) The 2024 Munster Chess League AGM is to be held on 13 October 2024 at the Charleville Park Hotel.
The meeting was closed by Chairman Niall McDonnell around 9.10 pm.
Source: Limerick Chess Club archive.