Discussing the many changes since their last AGM – held three years ago – Longford Westmeath Argentina Society members Betty Maguire, Petitswood, Tom Ganly, Tullamore (a native of Drumraney), and Mary Egan, Ferbane (originally from Ballymore).

Wallace is Argentina Society’s new chair

Some new faces made the shift to the top table at the AGM of the Longford Westmeath Argentina Society, held at Bloomfield House Hotel on Wednesday night, May 11.

Selected unopposed to take on the role of chairman was Peter Wallace of Multyfarnham while the new secretary, also selected unopposed, is Argentine native Tom Kelly, who lives in Castlepollard. Returned unopposed as treasurer was Mary Egan, a native of Ballymore now living in Ferbane.

Other members appointed to the committee were: outgoing secretary Tom Ganly from Tullamore, originally from Drumraney; Nuala and Pat Seery from Cloneyheigue, Kilbeggan; Michael Newman, Kilbeggan and Una Byrne.

Sadly, since the society’s last AGM, held in June 2019, the man at the helm of the organisation, Rosemount native Tom Carberry, died while in office, and so a previous chair, Una Byrne from Ardagh, presided at the AGM until Mr Wallace was appointed as the coming year’s chair.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Mr Carberry and other society members who passed since the last AGM – Ann Byrne, Pat Nally, Jimmy Rooney, Kevin Kiernan and Doreen Moughty, and also in honour of Dr Laura Bernal, who died while in office as Argentina’s ambassador to Ireland.

The three-year gap between AGMs was down to the Covid restrictions. The pandemic also affected the annual Argentine-style asado (barbecue) at The Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule, the highlight of the society’s year. It was last held in 2019. Members agreed that a priority for the new committee will be to see if is going to be possible to run an asado this summer. Keep up to date with the society via its Facebook page – facebook.com/ longfordwestmeathargentinasociety.