Last week’s club 2025 AGM saw a number of key decisions taken for the immediate future of the club as we embark on one of the biggest redevelopments since moving to Grange Road in the early 80s.

Information on the new pitch works was given, including the drainage, electrical conduits, excavation, subbase, shock pad, TX Elite surface, light poles and LED lights, water sprinklers, fencing and other related works.

On the sustainability front, more efficient  cisterns and showers have already been installed, and in progress are LED lights in the clubhouse and LED replacements for the back pitch lighting, with new biodiversity and herb features on site. All funding is now in place including €245k in grants and over €100k from member donations.

The club’s annual accounts were approved where much of the surplus is being directed towards the new pitch project.

The motion for approval for €50k to be taken from the Sinking Fund, if required as a contingency only for the said works, was passed unanimously.

The motion for approval for a €20 increase in all three youth membership fee categories, in line with Leinster averages, was agreed unanimously.

The question on face masks wearing, which is now compulsory for penalty corners, was raised from the floor and Committee is to decide the ownership of enacting this matter and will announce it to the club.

Also raised from the floor was a request to rejuvenate the  photographs in the club house walls which it was stated is already in hand.

The new President, Wendy Lee was elected and installed, as was the new Ladies Captain Karen Davis.

No new men’s captain nomination was put forward for the second year in a row. One of the consequences of this for decisions needed on the men’s side of club is Council has decided that any matter needing men’s captain or committee approval will have to be made in writing in advance for Committee to consider at its next meeting until a new men’s captain is appointed, with regret.

The other elected posts were Club Secretary, Kristan Johnston and Club Treasurer, John Blakeney, while the Committee Treasurer will be Peter Hill.

Many thanks were expressed for the plethora of volunteers in the club, particularly those who were standing down after years of service, following which the bar was opened for refreshment.