The clubs Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 23rd May. With a healthy crowd in attendance, a range of motions and agenda items were debated, discussed and given formal approval where necessary.

Secretary Ken Devlin presented a roundup of the year, including both the successes and challenges faced by the club in the past 12 months, and the hopes for what lies ahead.

Treasurer George Magill presented the clubs finances, and we're delighted to report that we are fully solvent and healthy, though diligence is always advised and fundraising remains a key objective going forward.

Prior to the AGM, an EGM was held in order to pass a number of changes to the club constitution in relation to child safeguarding and GDPR compliance.

Awards
As per tradition, a number of awards were handed out to members who have gone over and above in their endeavours for the club.

Presidents Cup – Johnty Given
Johnty was presented with the Presidents Cup by Mike Heath to mark his decades of service to the club, both as a player and as an administrator. In addition Johnty was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the club, one of only 3 individuals to have received this. Johnty has recently stepped down as the club's representative to the Ulster Branch and we wish him well in his retirement!

Captains Cup – Paul Culbert
Paul received the Captains Cup from outgoing 1st XV Captain Ben Morgan, as a mark of his work throughout the season. As well as being an ever present player for the 1st XV, Paul undertook a number of off-field activities for the benefit of the club, including organising extensive fundraising and arranging the clubs trip to Ireland v Fiji in November, which was a hugely successful social occasion. Paul steps down from the management committee after this season, we thank him for his work and look forward to seeing him return as an administrator soon.

Don Owens Salver – Ben Morgan
Outgoing 1st XV Captain Ben Morgan was presented with the Don Owens Salver by Chairman of Selectors John Townson. Ben has led the club with determination, focus and drive over the past two seasons, and in particular to promotion back to senior rugby in 2018. Ben suffered a serious leg injury in his final game as captain, we wish him well in his recovery and look forward to his return to playing.

Special Presentation – Philip Anderson
Philip Anderson was presented with a special gift, Scotch whisky and an engraved tankard, on behalf of the senior players. As 1st VX Manager Phil has put in countless hours of effort to ensure the smooth running of the team. Phil spends most weeks on his phone organising selection, transport, facilities, equipment and everything in between. A drop of whiskey in his new tankard is well deserved.

Pictures of the award winners can be viewed here

New Management Committee
All current posts were vacated in order to facilitate fresh the fresh elections of club office holders. The Management Committee for the 2018/19 season is as follows:

President – Michael Heath
Honorary Secretary - Ken Devlin
Honorary Treasurer - George Magill
Chairman - Michael Murray
1st XV Captain - Hamish Matheson
2nd XV Captain - Gareth Lewis
Fixtures Secretary - Robin Fleming
1st XV Manager - Philip Anderson
2nd XV Team Manager - Ronnie Millar
Representative to the Ulster Branch - Stephen Wilson
Social Convener – Thomas Bell
Media Officer – Niall Donnelly
Mini Convener - Mark Borland
Deputy Mini Convener - Ian Burgess
Player representatives - Dennis Currie, Andrew McVeigh, Dan Cartland, Philip Ervine

The club wishes to thank thoroughly all outgoing officers for the time, effort and dedication that was put in. Without devoted volunteers our club simply could not function.

In addition we welcome new office holders, in particular 1st XV captain Hamish Matheson. Hamish has been an on and off field leader for a number of years, and his progression to captain was a natural fit. We look forward to a strong season ahead under his leadership.

There is a slight lull between now and preseason in July, but work continues behind the scenes. Keep an eye on the website and social media for club updates thought the summer.