Published: Wednesday, 2nd June, 2010 5:30pm

Pat Hynes elected as new Buccaneers president

In an eloquent address to the AGM of Buccaneers RFC, outgoing President Raymond Duffy recalled "a great season in very trying circumstances". He had his "eyes opened" in some respects, particularly regarding "the huge amount of work being done by relatively small numbers".

He thanked many involved in the club for their unstinting and unselfish voluntary endeavours, including the Ladies Committee "who never let us down". Long serving stalwarts like Patrick Cooney, Michael Stapleton, Senan Downes, Michael Cleary, Austin Reid, Barry Reid, Leo Galvin and Michael Silke were among those complimented while Sharon Murphy and Geraldine Kenny received glowing endorsements for their efforts. He may have had differing opinions on some issues to Eamonn Fagan but Ray believed that "apart altogether from his substantial generous sponsorship, there is not a sponsor anywhere who does as much for a club" and we had "fabulous tenants" in Tom Silke and Paschal Dillon who had brought "a great buzz" back to The Bounty.

Rugby had its ups and downs and "tough decisions were made" when Buccaneers were in a perilous position on the abyss of relegation. David Henshaw and Charlie Couper were complimented hugely on leading the team up the league table. With Tom Conlon and Craig Milling on board, the Senior squad is in a very positive situation for the season ahead.

In his wide-ranging Secretary's Report, Diarmuid Morrissey said that "more active participation is required" as he "noted the splendid voluntary work re all teams". He thanked all sponsors particularly title sponsors Athlone Springs Hotel and ground sponsors Dubarry.

"Relegation was avoided in style on the last day" but "adult playing numbers are relatively low". Twelve players, primarily in the key development ages, played on various Ireland teams which was a wonderful achievement for the club. "Discipline was much improved" on the playing fields and "lots of representative matches" were played in Dubarry Park including Ireland's U-20 championship games, AIB League and Cup finals, and Women's National League and Cup deciders. He thanked "Senan, Barry and their teams" and also the "boys of The Bounty" for ensuring the smooth running of these events.

He reiterated the gratitude of the outgoing President to many of the club's officials but singled out a few such as Treasurer Sharon "for a special word of thanks, particularly regarding her forthright management of the club's finances". The PRO and club Administrator were others to receive kudos! However, he warned that "persistent fund-raising is critical" especially as costly "remedial work had started today on the main pitch".

The Treasurer Sharon Murphy provided a fairly detailed set of accounts to the A.G.M. "Budgeting in a challenging climate" entailed "some radical measures on all aspects of the club" but her report showed that, while income dropped, a more substantial reduction on expenditure ensured that the club loss on the year was a very modest €1,170. Income from the U-20 Internationals "was crucial to our well-being" but Sharon warned that "the club cannot rely on U-20's income indefinitely".

Outgoing Chairperson of Football Michael Stapleton in his report noted that with modest squad numbers and, "with wins slow to materialise, Buccs were bottom with just four games remaining". However, "changes were made and the team finished a creditable fifth" in the AIB League although both the Connacht Senior League and Cup campaigns were disappointing. Despite "competition for players from the Firsts and U-21's, Mick Smith kept up commitment in trying circumstances" for the Seconds who struggled in the League but had "a decent Cup run". The Thirds were consistent in the League but suffered an early Cup exit. Meanwhile, after "a sluggish start, the U-21's finished strongly" in the National League.

John Sheridan recalled "a busy and relatively successful season at Youths and Minis, from U-7 up to U-19." Five Minis blitzes were hosted and here Diarmuid Sloane was commended. The U-13's reached both Cup and Plate semi-finals, the U-14's were also Plate semi-finalists. U-15's had small numbers initially but, encouragingly, the numbers grew as the season progressed. The U-16's played lots of matches, reaching both Cup and League semi-finals while the U-17's bounced back from a League final defeat to capture the Cup. The U-19's capped a promising season with a terrific Cup triumph. John was especially thankful to Tom Reilly who was always willing and able to referee.

The election of Officers for the coming season followed with Pat Hynes duly selected unopposed as President of Buccaneers R.F.C. After being involved "more years than he can remember, it was a great honour for him, his wife Peggy and son Patrick". He thanked his predecessor Ray. Undoubtedly, he would be facing a "challenging year". "Big Pat", as he is affectionately and widely known, previously was President of Athlone R.F.C. twenty years ago in 1990/91.

Buccaneers RFC Officers

for 2010/11

President: Pat Hynes; Senior Vice-President: Ted Carty; Junior Vice-President: Ray Fagan; Hon. Secretary: Diarmuid Morrissey; Hon. Treasurer: Sharon Murphy; Public Relations Officer: Michael Silke; Chairperson of Football: Thomas Conlon; Chairperson of Youths/Minis: John Sheridan; Trustees Representative: Richard Quirke; Chairperson of Facilities: Michael Cleary; Commercial and Marketing Chairperson: Joseph Cleary; Representative to the Connacht Branch IRFU: Patrick Whelan; Nominee to the IRFU: Leo Galvin; Child Welfare Officer: Jacqui Pears.

Tag Rugby Kicks Off

The official IRFU "Bud Light" Tag Rugby event kicks off in Dubarry Park on Thursday week June 10 (7pm). Entries are invited from social or firm teams, and from other clubs or organisations. Tag Rugby is a non-contact, fun sport ideal for summer evenings. Matches are contested by teams of 7 with at least 3 females playing at any one time. Registration Fee is €350 per squad and the League is scheduled to run for 8/9 weeks. Contact Buccaneers Tag Rugby Venue Managers Kieran Sloyan @ 087-6298133 or Michael Smith @ 083-3493642.