The Report of Secretary Philip Cogavin to Meath Athletics 2012 convention

Madam President, Mr. Chairman, Fellow Officers and Club Delegates,

I would like to welcome you all here this evening to our County Convention for 2012. It is heartening to see so many clubs represented here tonight, at what is arguably the most important forum for the sport of athletics within our county.

Over the past 12 months I have been pleased to see the willingness, cooperation and dedication of my fellow officers. They are a credit to our sport. Indeed it would be invidious and particularly divisive to single anyone out for specific mention, so here goes. For many of you the only appreciation of some of the work done by our Chairman is the early morning time stamp on some of the various emails that he delights in sending to us all. His dedication goes far beyond that, though. If there is any athletics event on anywhere in the county he will inevitably be there, either competing or helping out. He also somehow manages to fit in regular provincial and national body meetings between calving, milking and cutting his grass. Without his support, wise counsel and friendship my job would be much more onerous. He has always made himself available, and while we may not agree on everything, we do agree on enough to get things done.

It is important that we remember those who have helped in the running of our various events, and so I would like to thank Sharon, Oprah and the staff of the Sports Development Project for their continued excellence, hard work and attention to detail in the administration of our various championships and competitions. To Marie, Moira and Paul on the Primary Schools Project, many thanks for your enthusiasm, dedication and interest in the work you do in our primary schools and beyond.

Thanks also to those clubs who have hosted events on behalf of the County Board. We have seen the introduction of some new and challenging courses in our cross-country competitions recently. A particular word of thanks to those landowners who have facilitated us. Indeed, I would appeal to all clubs to strongly consider hosting events. No matter what facilities you have available, it is good for the sport for athletes to experience a diversity of venues, and there is a lot to be said for the thrill of competing on a “home” venue.

Our County Board meetings continue to attract a good attendance. The majority of decisions effecting competition are taken at these meetings and all clubs should ensure that they are represented in order that their points of view may be heard.

The essence of our sport is competition, so it is good to see the increase in numbers participating in the sport. We have seen unprecedented numbers competing in road races over the last year and indeed an increase in the number of races themselves. This is in the face of competition from unpermitted events, often clashing with established dates. While the running of road races is currently seen as some sort of cash cow for those seeking to fund raise, it is incumbent on the County Board to ensure that events are conducted to a standard, as Joe Running Public will not differentiate between permitted and unpermited events, to the detriment of our sport and events. It is imperative that registered members who may find themselves involved in such events should seek to have them run under an appropriate permit. When the current boom has burst, and the fund-raisers have moved on to the next craze, we will be left to manage the legacy.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here this evening. Hopefully we will make good progress through the agenda and leave at a decent hour, with a job well done.