No rotten fruit was thrown, no insults were hurled, no complaints were lodged. Another year of club business was successfully wound up last night at a very good humoured and enjoyable AGM. The spirit of the meeting reflected a deeply rooted confidence in the club and universal approval of the way things continue to run. Chairman Francis kept his report characteristically concise but drew special attention to the enjoyment brought by our participation in three team events this year. All of them, but in particular the Northwest Team Challenge at our own autumn show, contributed greatly to the strengthening of club spirit and atmosphere.
Treasurer Sharon Lee reported on our reassuringly healthy financial standing and everybody agreed that surplus funds should be spent developing club resources rather than allowing them to languish in a bank account.
The election of officers for 2011 saw most roles maintained by their 2010 occupants, with just a couple of significant changes. Francis remains as Chairman but also steps in as Chief Safety Coordinator with all the 2010 safety officers as his team of assistants. Sharon Lee continues as Treasurer while Orla takes over from Libby as Secretary. Instead of an Assistant Secretary, this year we will have Martina as Show Secretary, with responsibility for the official paperwork after each event we run. Sharon Lee has undertaken PRO duties. Libby is the new grading officer with Rachel as assistant grading officer. The full list can be seen on the The Club page of the website.
The club’s 2010 Awards were the final item on the agenda and the new system of nominating candidates was a great success. Damien read out many of the comments which were made about those who were in the running for the awards and this provided a very fitting acknowledgement and appreciation of the contribution of many members. We’ll put the comments on the website shortly. On the night it was Libby who was named 2010 Club Member of the Year. (And she’s exceedingly touched by the award and very grateful.) In the four-legged department, several horses received glowing tributes but it was Paddy’s Lizzie who was ultimately crowned 2010 Club Horse of the Year.
Pictured below: Club Chairman Francis presents the 2010 awards for Club Member of the Year and Club Horse of the Year to Libby and (Paddy on behalf of) Lizzie.
Letterkenny Riding Club 
