Conor Tormey's tenure as a chairman of Meath GAA will come to an end at Monday night's annual convention in Navan O'Mahonys' clubhouse.

The Donaghmore/Ashbourne clubman can look back on his five years with pride as significant progress was made in a number of areas.

For example, he oversaw the successful completion of phase 2 of the Dunganny Centre of Excellence development while the proposed re-development of Pairc Tailteann has reached the planning permission stage.

"I am confident that we will soon have a county ground that all Royal County gaels can be proud of," he said.

Huge strides were also made under his watch in the critical Coaching & Games Development area.

"We have increased our GDA and GPO staff numbers from two full-time and four part-time to a total of twenty.

"I fully expect the great initiatives being put in place by our Games Development staff at club, schools and development squad levels to translate into success in the years ahead."

Tormey and his committee inherited a €200,000 deficit but this year's accounts show a healthy surplus of €408,249.

The recruitment of Devenish Nutrition as football sponsors on a three-year deal worth €750,000 is a big feather in his cap.

Other fundraising ventures such as the Sean Boylan tribute night in New York, the annual Race Day, Club Golf Classic, Corporate Golf Classic and Business Lunch have also contributed handsomely to the county's coffers.

"Fundraising is a necessary evil when it comes to helping us achieve our objectives and I would like to thank everyone who helped to organise, and supported, our Race Day at Fairyhouse as well as our Annual Golf Classic and Corporate Golf Classic.

"We also held a hugely successful inaugural business lunch in the Headfort Arms Hotel while one of the highlights of the year was a tribute night for the legendary Sean Boylan which was held in New York back in April. A massive debt of gratitude is owed to Kells native John Breslin who was responsible for organising the event which was a great success.

"A big thank you also to Club na Mi and Friends of Meath GAA for their endeavours during the course of the year."

As he prepares to vacate the chair - has he any regrets?

"With the exception of last year's memorable Christy Ring Cup success, we didn't enjoy the success on the field that I would have hoped for," he answered.

"Not getting the chance to present the Keegan Cup to my own club is a big one. Our senior footballers' failure to win a Leinster SFC is another one.

"Having said that, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and it has been an honour and privilege for me to serve as Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Mi.

"I wish my successor and the incoming Management Committee the very best of luck. I hope to stay involved in some capacity at County Board level and will always be available for advice and assistance."

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