Na Piarsaigh reviewed 2008 and looked forward to 2009 at their well attended AGM held on Sunday 23rd November in their clubrooms on the Blackrock road. The AGM was preceded by a mass for deceased club members and friends. Chairman of the Louth County Board, Paddy Oliver addressed the members as guest speaker. In his address, he stated that he was delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the club's AGM and it was unfortunate that the club lost out in the IFC final but if the club persevered they will surely make the step up to senior football. He said that it was good to see 4 under-age trophies on show and noted that the club was doing a great service to the Holy Family Parish area by providing Gaelic football for the youth of the area. He complimented that club on their efforts to form a Ladies committee and team, as he felt that ladies have an important role in the association. He thanked Na Piarsaigh's departing treasurer Fr John Harrington for his input to Na Piarsaigh and Louth GAA down through the years and wished him in his new parish assignment. In his address, Chairman Martin Hegarty thanked Paddy Oliver for his attendance at the AGM and for his kind words and best wishes for the club. He thanked the various team managers, adult and under age for their great efforts this year. Also the outgoing officers, committee and members for the efforts throughout the year and called on all club members to give that little bit extra to assist the club achieve further progress both on and off the field in the coming year. He concluded by thanking main sponsors P&A Quinn and other sponsors for support during the year, and looked forward to the coming year and receiving the co-operation of all members. Departing club treasurer Fr. John Harrington presented a detailed treasurer's report and thanked all involved with the club through his years for their assistance and cooperation. Youth Officer Gerard O'Hare presented a comprehensive report on under-age activities, highlighting in particular the great success of U-13 teams at Og Sport level, U-14 team in retaining the B Championship and U-18 team success in the Division 3 league. He acknowledged the effort put in by a number of members and players in advancing under-age football in the club but appealed for more players, clubmen and parents to lend a hand, in order to enhance under-age success. In a wide-ranging secretary's report, David Hearty reflected on club activities both on and off the field during 2008. He noted that whilst all involved with the club were extremely disappointed at losing out in the Intermediate final, he hoped the experience would stand to all involved with the club. He observed that it was disappointing that after finishing 2nd place in Division 2 for the 2nd successive year there was no reward of promotion available. Off the field the club had made some great strides with a successful Sports Capital Grant allocation for the development of an all weather type training area, and the formation of a Ladies committee and plans to enter a Ladies team in the Louth Junior League and Championship in 2009 as the highlights. In recognition for his outstanding contribution to the club, Fr John Harrington was elected Honorary President of the club and the club awards were presented as follows: Joint Intermediate Players of the Year - Donal Hegarty and Mark Larkin, Junior Player of the Year - Rory Shaw and Clubman of the Year - David Hearty. The following officers were elected for 2009. Chairman: Martin Hegarty; Vice-Chairman: Gerry Kellet; Secretary: David Hearty; Assistant Secretary: Ciaran Marks; Treasurer: Gerard O'Hare; Assistant Treasurer: Brian McCartney; Registrar: Oliver Morgan; Youth Officer and Players Representative: Barry Teather; Co. Board Delegate: Gerry McGee; Minor Board Delegate: Kevin Gordon. Committee: Deirdre Fisher; Dualta O'Mara; Alan McCabe; Brendan McCartney; Peter Grealis; Fr Paddy Stanley; Marc Wynne; Edel Woods; Grainne Madden; Ellen O'Reilly; Peter Begley; Paul Malone; Mary McCartney and Davy Boland. Tweet

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