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Annual General Meeting 2008At their recently held AGM members of Ballinasloe Community Arts Group reviewed a very successful 2007. During the year Ballinasloe Community Arts Group hosted a variety of events including Art Exhibitions, Children’s Storytelling, 2FM Discos, Lambert Puppet Theatre, Children’s Fancy Dress Disco to mention but a few. Undoubtedly "An tSuca Fíain"- river and arts festival that was the highlight of the year and the large number of participants who were involved in the Art Camp displayed a unique and creative flair carefully nurtured by Artistic Director Brendan Grealy. Chairperson Noreen Ronaldson paid tribute to the outstanding contribution of all those who were involved in the Art Camp, especially acknowledging the contributions of both Brendan and Micheál not just for their work during the festival but for their tireless and painstaking attention to detail over many months of preparation prior to the festival which resulted in an astonishing display for the parade and pageant on the Friday night. While the inclement weather brought about a few changes for those that attended it was a very enjoyable night rounded off by a spectacular fireworks display complemented by the appropriate music orchestrated beautifully by Shay Purcell (fireworks) and Ian Brabazon (music). Throughout the week of the festival the floating theatre – The MV Enterprise was moored in the marina and the mix of theatre and music workshops which took place on board culminated in the breathtaking performance of the very young participants on the Sunday afternoon under the excellent direction of Conal Kearney.
With short but compressive reports from various members of the committee, Kevin Leahy- Secretary, Micheál Breathnach –Treasurer and Michelle Ronaldson PRO. The AGM moved swiftly along. It was noted that various members of Ballinasloe Community Arts Group are representing the group on a number of other committees such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Town Hall Theatre Working Group etc. In her report to the AGM Chairperson Noreen Ronaldson acknowledged the huge effort it took to organise not just the various events which are held throughout the year but the time consuming planning, preparation and organising that is part and parcel of the festival. She said that it is due to the dedicated commitment given by everyone on a voluntary basis that has enabled the group to achieve so much. We have come a long way since the group was set up in 2002 although remaining true to the spirit and ethos of that very first meeting whilst developing and growing into a vibrant, hard-working organisation dedicated not to just showcasing the arts in its many forms but offering opportunities for people to learn new skills, display their talents and perform. Among the challenges for the year ahead is to build on what we have achieved, explore new ideas and continue to develop our links with other groups, individuals and organisations. With plans already underway for 2008 it should be an interesting time. These are just a few dates for your diaries. A 2FM Disco to be held in Gullanes Hotel on Friday 14th of March, The Art Camp which will be held from the 7th to 11th of July, (places are limited so early booking is advisable), “A tSuca Fiaín – River and Arts festival which will take place from Monday 7th of July to Sunday 13th of July 2008. The final part of the AGM was the election of officers. The following were elected, Chairperson Noreen Ronaldson, Secretary Kevin Leahy, Treasurer Micheál Breathnach, and PRO Michelle Ronaldson. Brendan Grealy, Artistic Director and Damian Killeen, IT remain in place. The evening was rounded off by a very social gathering with plans for 2008 the main topic of conversation. |
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