Knightsbrook Golf Club’s 2020 AGM took place on Monday the 14th of December. The meeting was held virtually by Zoom webinar and 40 members attended. The meeting confirmed the nomination of Mr Gerald Reilly former President of the club as Captain for 2021. Mr Raymond Murray was elected Vice-Captain. Mr Alan Codd was re-elected, unopposed as Treasurer and Stephen Doris as Secretary. Leonard Flynn is the new Handicap and Competitions’ Secretary and Raymond Glennon and Thomas Conaty were re-elected to the committee for 2021. New committee members elected were Glenn Bryan, Will Murray and Owen Ganly. Richard Wheeler continues as an ex-officio member of the committee and Frank Behan and Sean Ó Díomasaigh remain as trustees. Sean Ó Diomasaigh will be President for 2021.
Outgoing Captain, Richard Wheeler presents 2021 incoming Captain, Mr Gerald Reilly with his captain’s blazer.
Mr Gerald Reilly, Captain Knightsbrook Golf Club 2021
The club made history holding its first-ever virtual AGM. Outgoing Captain Richard gave a comprehensive account of the strangest golfing year, 2020, and paid tribute to the Men’s Committee for all its work and commitment throughout the year. He thanked outgoing Handicap Secretary, Peter Whelan for his work and his team which included Eamonn O’Brien Thomas Conaty and Leonard Flynn. The Captain wished Peter and Eamonn, well. “The club’s finances are very healthy due to the diligence of our Treasurer, Alan Codd” the Captain commented and he paid tribute to Secretary, Stephen, for keeping members well informed, “throughout this most difficult year”. The Captain also thanked Raymond Glennon for his organisational skills in ensuring that all prizes were accounted for and for all his work in preparing all prizes for collection at the weekend. Richard also thanked Frank Behan and Sean Ó Díomasaigh for their roles in liaising with the PLC on matters of mutual interest. He congratulated Des Farrelly on receiving the inaugural Club Person of the Year award for 2020 sponsored by Prism Inks. Richard assured the meeting that the club is in good hand under the leadership of Gerald Reilly as Captain for 2021 and he wished him well for the year.
Richard thanked Dominic, Kate and Ben in the Pro Shop for their courtesy to and cooperation with the committee and members throughout the year. He paid tribute to the course staff under the leadership of Ronan Carey for the condition of the course and the quality of their regular maintenance, especially during the lockdowns. He also noted the extra innovative work on aspects of the course including pathways, bridges, drainage, trees and plantations. He extended the members’ appreciation to Proprietor, Mr Peter Igoe, for his commitment to Knightsbrook Golf Club. His energy, vision and investment have resulted in Knightsbrook receiving “Resort Award 2021” in Golfers’ Guide to Ireland again this year.
The Captain paid a special tribute to Knightsbrook Golf Club’s former captain and ex-officio committee member, Damian McDonnell who sadly passed away suddenly on October 23rd. A minute of silent prayer was observed to remember Damian and his family. Incoming Captain Gerald Reilly addressed the meeting paying tribute to Richard for his leadership during a very difficult year. He praised his achievement and thanked him for nominating him as captain for 2021. Gerald said he would work hard for the members during 2021 whatever the year brings. He announced that the members’ annual fee will be reduced and that he has some new ideas, which he hopes to introduce during his captaincy. Mr Reilly also thanked Mr Igoe for all his work throughout the year to ensure that we the members have one of the top golf courses in the country. He reiterated the Captain’s thanks to all staff on and off the course throughout the year. He joined in the Captain’s tribute to Damian McDonnell. Finally, Mr Reilly wished everyone a happy Christmas and urged members “in light of Damian’s passing to savour life and embrace and enjoy the golfing year ahead.”
