Sports & Activities | In Clonakilty

Clonakilty Singing Club elected a new chairperson at it’s AGM held at O’ Donovan’s Hotel on 17th February. Philip Flynn takes over from Dell McCarthy who has been chairperson for various three year stints for over 25 years. Dell welcomed everyone especially the club president Paddy O’ Donovan, and some recently-joined members who were cast members in the pre-Christmas show “Rock Nativity”. Dell recalled the many musicals staged by the club over the years, since it was founded in 1974. At one time they were annual events, which meant huge undertakings for the club both financially and physically. There was drama both on and off stage! Until 2009, there had been no musical since “My Fair Lady” in 2003. A number of attempts had been made since at putting something together, but sufficient numbers of people weren’t coming to early rehearsals, and plans had to be abandoned. It was great therefore that “Rock Nativity” brought around 30 people together last Autumn and the show was staged in December. She paid tribute to the officers and committee members who have always been loyal to the club, and worked hard to make the club a success. Philip Flynn, Secretary, in his report outlined the difficulties in trying to muster enough people to put on stage productions over recent years. However, every Christmas, the club visits Mount Carmel Community Hospital, and the members sing Carols for patients, staff and visitors, brightening up their day. The staging of “Rock Nativity” last December was a great achievement and has revived the club with an influx of new members which he hoped will continue to be involved in future activities, and contribute to the running of the club. The club Honorary President, Paddy O’ Donovan, presided over the election of the new committee which resulted as follows: Chairperson – Philip Flynn; Secretary – Michael O’ Regan; Treasurers – Louise Cullinane and Seán Ruddy; PRO – Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, Committee Members: Ger Madden, Dell McCarthy, James White, Eugene McCarthy. The Club President Paddy O’ Donovan. Following the election of the new committee, a general discussion was held with many new ideas coming from the floor on the clubs future. Deceased members and friends of the club were also remembered fondly.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Clonakilty Singing Club should ring Chairperson Philip Flynn on 086-2202026

PHOTO: Dell McCarthy (left), outgoing Chairperson Clonakilty Singing Club congratulates her successor Philip Flynn after he was elected unanimously at the recent AGM. Centre is club President Paddy O’ Donovan, who oversaw the election of the new officers. (Photo: CÓS, PRO Clon Singing Club)

Submitted by Cionnaith O Suilleabhain on Saturday, February 27th, 2010