IMRA AGM 2024
Forum Messages
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Miriam Maher | Oct 29 2024, 6:44pm | Evening all While this isn't about the AGM itself, I'm taking the opportunity to highlight the gifts we have organised for this year's volunteers that have gone above and beyond in terms of race directing and some other special effort contributions. I've posted images on the event page for the AGM to give you a flavour for what's coming the way of the very worthy recipients. There is a bit of a theme this year with slogans/quotes on the gear. Words to live/run by on the hoodie - whatever you think it means for you! Quote on the t-shirts, came from Warren Swords this year. Something to this effect often heard towards the end of a race, rarely believed ;-) Lillian Deegan has done her usual awesome job of organising these items, huge thanks as always to her for the coordination. Gifts will be ready for distribution from Powerscourt Ridge and the AGM onwards. Thank you to all those that have earned this gifts, we just couldn't do any of what has been done without you. So a big thank you and well wear! Miriam |
| Warren Swords | Oct 30 2024, 10:27am | Hahaha. Fantastic. What an honour. In my defence, I also believed it was downhill all the way. I discovered the terrible truth as I demarked the course, emerging from the trees two hours later with a face like thunder and weighed down with signs and tape. I looked so bedraggled from it, I believe the raffle was fixed in order to get me some cans. |
| Robert Costello | Oct 30 2024, 10:34am | This is gold. Bravo to the committee for immortalising Warren’s fake news on top of PWS. |
| Linda Rowden | Nov 1 2024, 9:42am | The AGM will take place this year on Saturday November 23rd at 2pm in the Del La Salle Palmerstown FC, Kirwan Park, Kilternan, Co Dublin, D18 DC56. Motions, including amendments to the Constitution, must be received by the Secretary at least 14 days before the date of the AGM. Therefore, please forward any motions to the Secretary at secretaryatimradotie by Saturday 9th November 2024. The names of the proposers and seconder of a motion must be submitted with the motion, and one of these people must be present to speak to the motion at the AGM. Motions may only be proposed and seconded by members who will have full voting rights at the AGM. Amendments to motions can be taken in accordance with the Standing Orders agreed at the AGM. Motions passed at an AGM come into effect at the end of the AGM. All committee roles are open for nomination and election at the AGM. We welcome nominations for committee roles. If you would like to put yourself forward for election to the committee please do not hesitate to contact IMRA President, Miriam Maher, at presidentatimradotie Nominations for committee roles should be received by Thursday, 21st November 2024. The process for nomination for a committee role and for submitting a motion for the AGM is set out in the Constitution which is available here. https://www.imra.ie/constitution/ Key dates: 1. Saturday 9th November: Last day for submitting motions by email to secretaryatimradotie 2. Thursday 21st November: Last day for submitting proposals for committee roles by email to presidentatimradotie 3. Saturday 23rd November: AGM at 2pm. |
| Linda Rowden | Nov 8 2024, 2:08pm | This is a reminder that tomorrow is the last day for emailing motions for consideration ahead of the AGM. Key dates: 1. Saturday 9th November: Last day for submitting motions by email to secretaryatimradotie 2. Thursday 21st November: Last day for submitting proposals for committee roles by email to presidentatimradotie 3. Saturday 23rd November: AGM at 2pm. |
| Pól Ó Murchú | Nov 9 2024, 5:48pm | Not to be a pedantic Pat however regarding point 2 there is nothing in the constitution that says nominations for committee positions need to be received by the committee in advance of the AGM. Same point was made last year and I don’t believe this is correct. Granted I’m sure there is not a long list of candidates battling for positions but important to note that someone can in fact turn up at the AGM with a proposer and seconder and put themselves forward with no prior notice to be given to anyone. As per constitution the wording is as follows: The affairs of IMRA shall be conducted by an Executive Committee consisting of the open positions listed below plus co-opted regional representatives: • President • Treasurer • Secretary • Races Coordinator • Webmaster • Records Secretary • Equipment • Safety • High Performance • Juniors • WMRA / Athletics Ireland • One ordinary member All of these positions shall be open to election at the AGM. Each member going forward for a position on the Executive Committee must be proposed and seconded at the AGM. |
| Linda Rowden | Nov 16 2024, 8:52pm | Agenda for AGM of Irish Mountain Running Association 23rd November 2024 @ 2pm De La Salle Rugby Football Club, Kirwan Park, Enniskerry Road, Jamestown, Kilternan, Co Dublin, D18 DC56. 1. Apologies 2. Adoption of Standing Orders: the Standing Orders will be proposed, seconded and voted on 3. Minutes of previous AGM and Matters Arising 4. President’s Report 5. Accounts and Treasurer’s Report 6. Honorary Auditor’s Report 7. Members’ Survey Report 8. Motions 9. Appointment of Executive Committee and Honorary Auditor 10. AOB The following motions have been submitted for discussion at the AGM: 1. Motion 1: A motion has been received to amend item 12 of IMRA Competition Rules from: Early race starts Races with cut-off times and under 8 km do not have an early start option. Many races will have an early start option, at the discretion of the Race Director. If an early start is permitted, it is for runners expecting to finish 160+% of the winning time. Early starters are excluded from winning prizes unless all runners in their age category were early starters. All participants who take the early start will be automatically recorded as having finished behind the main field regardless of their percentage of the winning time. “ To Early race starts Races with cut-off times and under 8 km do not have an early start option. Many races will have an early start option, at the discretion of the Race Director. If an early start is permitted, it is for runners expecting to finish 160+% of the winning time. Results positions will be based on finishing times.” Proposed by Niamh O’Ceallaigh, seconded by Richard Fox. 2. Motion 2: A motion has been received to amend Article 7 of the Constitution as follows: No member or co-opted member of the Executive Committee or of any regional committee will serve more than three years in the same role. And No member or co-opted member of the Executive Committee or of any regional committee will serve more than nine consecutive years on the committee in any role. Proposed by Angela Flynn, seconded by Laura Flynn. 3. Motion 3: A motion has been received to amend Article 2 of the Constitution as follows: Remove “IMRA will endeavour to ensure rights of access to Irish mountains.” Proposed by Eoin Keith, seconded by Alan Ayling. 4. Motion 4: A motion has been received to amend Article 3 of the Constitution as follows: Add as the first objective “Organising an annual calendar of races and other supporting events such as prize-giving social events” Proposed by Eoin Keith, seconded by Alan Ayling. 5. Motion 5: A motion has been received to amend Article 6 of the Constitution as follows: Add the following paragraph after paragraph 2 “The Executive Committee should have due regard to motions passed at an AGM or EGM. However these motions will not be binding on the Executive Committee.” Proposed by Eoin Keith, seconded by Alan Ayling. 6. Motion 6: A motion has been received to amend Article 12 of the Constitution as follows: Replace the text “Sub-Committees may be appointed or approved by the Executive Committee for specific purposes. Sub-Committees will be subordinate to the Executive Committee, and their recommendations may be altered by the Executive Committee.” With “Sub-Committees may be appointed or approved by the Executive Committee for specific purposes. Individuals may also be appointed to non-committee official roles by the Executive Committee. Sub-committees and Non-Committee officials will be subordinate to the Executive Committee, and their recommendations may be altered by the Executive Committee.” Proposed by Eoin Keith, seconded by Alan Ayling 7. Motion 7. A motion has been received to amend Article 13 of the Constitution to include: " The Executive Committee may authorise a regional committee to operate a separate bank account. The operation of this bank account, production of the regional annual accounts and appointment of a regional honorary auditor are the responsibility of the Regional Committee. However, access to the bank account and all associated records must be made available to the Executive Committee at any time on request and without undue delay.." Proposed by Stuart Scott, seconded by Robbie Williams Link to Constitution is here https://www.imra.ie/constitution/ and is also on the website homepage. Please remember that the AGM is your opportunity to make an input to the new IMRA year. Hoping to see many of you there next Saturday. Linda |
| Warren Swords | Nov 17 2024, 11:27am | I would be concerned motion 1 would have the effect of turning all races into time trials. You would have a situation where early start runners get a clear run of a course, a massive advantage, and then end up finishing ahead of someone they haven’t actually raced. It removes the fundamental point of a race. |
| Peter O'Farrell | Nov 18 2024, 4:54pm | There is no requirement for a motion in order to change competition rules. As stated in the competition rules: "Members are invited to make proposals to the Executive Committee on the Rules; proposals will be reviewed and may or may not be implemented at the discretion of the Committee" Could a forum discussion about the early start concept start the ball rolling on the topic? |
| Turlough Conway | Nov 18 2024, 8:21pm | Folks, just a technical point on Motion 5: “The Executive Committee should have due regard to motions passed at an AGM or EGM. However these motions will not be binding on the Executive Committee.” As (I believe) all members must abide by the IMRA Constitution, motions that are amendments to the Constitution would be binding on the Executive. A change such as the below might achieve the objective (as I understand it): "The Executive Committee should have due regard to motions passed at an AGM or EGM. However, only such motions which are amendments to the Constitution would be binding on the Executive Committee.” |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 12:01pm | Peter O’Farrell’s point re the Competition Rules is absolutely correct. The AGM elects the Committee; the Committee devises the Competition Rules. Clearly, this would customarily be done in consultation with the members. I would agree completely with Peter about having a Forum discussion in the first instance. If the motion is to proceed, it would make sense for the introduction to the motion to read: A motion has been received to RECOMMEND THAT THE COMMITTEE amend item 12 of IMRA Competition rules from etc. That would still allow for member consultation via the Forum if the Committee so decided. |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 12:18pm | I am responding to Motion 4 dealing with a proposed amendment to Article 3 of the Constitution. Without being overly pedantic, Article 3 deals with Duties and responsibilities, not Objectives; Article 2 deals with the latter. If this motion is agreed, I suggest that there may need to be some consistency regarding terminology in Article 3. The proposed amendment uses the phrase an “annual calendar of races”. The next duty or responsibility then specifies “mountain running events”. For example, should we be talking about “mountain running races and events” ? Do we need to talk about “in Ireland” or is that just a mare’s nest? By the way, I think the phrase “such as prize-giving social events” is probably unnecessary as I think these are implicitly allowed as they support races and events. Often in a Constitution, less is more when it comes to language. |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 12:31pm | I am responding to Turlough Conway’s point re Motion 5. He is indeed correct. Again, to be pedantic, there are several types of business at the AGM which might be technically construed as motions which would also be binding on the Committee, e.g. the election and re-election of Committee members. I would suggest that to avoid ambiguity, maybe the motion could be re-worded along the following lines: “The Executive Committee should have due regard to motions passed at an AGM or EGM. However, apart from those motions which are binding on the Committee by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution, all other motions will not be binding on the Executive Committee but will be deemed advisory.” |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 12:42pm | Finally, I am responding to Motion 7 regarding access to regional committee bank accounts with which I agree. On a pedantic point (not again, says you?), I would suggest a minor amendment to the text of the motion is as follows: “However, access to the DETAILS OF THE bank account and all associated records ….”. I feel that, as drafted, it could be interpreted that the Executive Committee of IMRA would have direct transactional access to such bank accounts and I am sure that this is not the intention nor should it be. Such access should, of course, be limited to the authorised signatories on such accounts. |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 12:54pm | What would IMRA do without the gimlet eye of our arch constitutional expert and Pedantic Pat in chief (Peter O Farrell take note) Jim Fitzharris ! Thank you Jim, your work and efforts are much appreciated by this Pedantic Pat !! It could be a long day tomorrow... |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 1:04pm | Before I forget it, I probably will not be able to attend the AGM tomorrow so please accept my apologies. If circumstances change, I will certainly try to be there. I actually enjoy them; sad or what? |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 1:18pm | What Jim??!! Make all those snowballs and not turn up to throw a few of them..very disappointing!! |
| Miriam Maher | Nov 22 2024, 1:23pm | Hi Jim Thanks so much for your comments, I suspect they will be very useful to have to hand tomorrow. Very sorry to hear you aren’t likely to make to the actual meeting, you’ll be missed! Hope alls good with you anyway. Everyone else planning on attending, get your Weetabix into you tomorrow morning, looks like we have plenty to discuss:) Miriam |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 2:29pm | Hi again Here is an important section from Article 6 of our constitution : 'Amendments to motions can be taken in accordance with the Standing Orders agreed at the AGM or EGM. Motions passed at an AGM or EGM come into effect at the end of that EGM or AGM.' Given that a number of tomorrows motions may require tweaking, the committee should propose and agree the standing orders procedure before these motions are considered at the meeting. Past precedent allowed AGM motions to be reworded based on AGM debate and discussion (however I don't recall any constitutional motions for the past 2 or 3 years ?) but this can be a dangerous road where amendments to IMRA's constitution are concerned.. unintended consequences of constitutional changes may often not be seen until later |
| Niamh O'Ceallaigh | Nov 22 2024, 4:02pm | You are right Brendan. I don't think any constitutional changes can be brought up on the day and motions that will involve amending the constitution can't be tweaked on the day. This gets done at the following AGM or at an EGM if required. But, yes, with prior agreement, regular motions can be tweaked. I was paying attention at all the old agms when the fabulous Charlie O Connell educated us on these matters of constitutional correctness. |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 4:09pm | Ha ha , yes indeed Niamh.. Charlie put a fair old spanner in the works at many an AGM, but as he would say himself, he was right! |
| Eoin Keith | Nov 22 2024, 5:20pm | I'd Just like to publicly thank Turlough and Jim for their excellent suggestions on improving the wording of my original Motions for the AGM. The motions will be presented at the AGM with the wording suitably upgraded. Thanks again, and see you all tomorrow. |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 6:01pm | Hi Eoin and others I think you will find that motions which have the effect of making changes to the constitution cannot be amended at the AGM or by way of a forum post up here. The constitution is the underpinning document of the association and any changes to it must be given due notice to members before being considered for a vote at the AGM. Charlie O Connell very correctly pointed this out at a previous AGM when we attempted to wordsmith a motion dealing with the constitution at the meeting. Niamh reminded me of that. So your motion as worded ( as well as all the other constitutional motions) must stand and if you want to reword it, IMRA would need to call an EGM |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 8:27pm | Hi Brendan, Good news (for some!). I plan to be at the AGM after all. I was meant to lead a birdwatching trip tomorrow but this has been cancelled. I will wear a flak jacket & steel helmet, and arrive bearing bound copies of the IMRA Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Irish Defence Force Regulations, the UN Charter, the Magna Carta, and any other regulatory document that I feel will bolster my case. |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 8:44pm | Hi all, I have read the posts from Niamh and Brendan with great interest. I do not agree with all of what they say. Niamh states that: “I don't think any constitutional changes can be brought up on the day and motions that will involve amending the constitution can't be tweaked on the day.” I certainly agree with the first part of that sentence in the sense that the motions proposing changes to the Constitution must be advertised in advance and not introduced for the first time at an AGM (or EGM). I do not agree with the second part of the sentence. I respect the views of the late Charlie O’Connell but do not know where this edict originated. Charlie was often, but not always, right! I quote from Article 6 of the Constitution: “Amendments to motions can be taken in accordance with the Standing Orders agreed at the AGM or EGM.” If there is a definitive current set of Standing Orders for the AGM, I do not have it. However, I do have an old set (which may still be valid) which states, inter alia: “2.d. Participating members at the AGM who are eligible to vote may propose amendments to motions tabled at the AGM. In order for such amendments to be eligible for consideration they must be proposed and seconded by members attending the AGM and submitted in writing to the chairman (sic).” This clearly implies that amendments to motions can be proposed on the day and dealt with appropriately. I am slightly intrigued by the reference to “submitted in writing” but I presume this means that someone can write out the proposed amendment long-hand and give it to the Chairperson of the meeting to be read out for clarity. I have certainly seen this practice adopted at the AGMs of another organisation. The extracts quoted above make no reference to excluding those motions that relate to constitutional amendments. The Constitution and the Standing Orders that I referred to are both silent on the exact mechanism for dealing with such “on the fly” amendments. I believe that common sense can prevail and it is reasonable that a minor alteration to an existing valid motion proposing a constitutional amendment can be dealt with at the AGM, provided that the suggested alteration does not substantively change the thrust of the original motion. I do appreciate that the devil is in the detail: who or what defines “minor” or “substantively”. I would think the original proposer and seconder of the relevant motion would be the best-placed people to judge this, with the Chairperson of the AGM also having a role while those present at the meeting could, of course, voice their opinions too. What if a motion to propose an amendment to the Constitution was ambiguous or contained an inadvertent error of fact which was not noticed until the day of the meeting? If the motion could not be amended, it must either be proposed and voted on a drafted (even if it was bunkum by virtue of the ambiguity or error) or else we must wait a year when a very simple correction could resolve the matter there and then. Apologies to all IMRA members whom I know far prefer running up and down mountains to having Jesuitical arguments about the minutiae of the Constitution. Please cut some slack for us pedants – after all, it is the eve of the AGM which, like Crimbo, comes but once per year! |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 22 2024, 8:54pm | Apologies, me again. I promise that I will try to make this my last post this evening. I think it is obvious, but for the avoidance of doubt, none of the suggestions that I have made regarding the motions at the AGM to propose amendments to the Constitution are themselves motions. Any such motions can be proposed only at the AGM in accordance with the Standing Orders for the meeting. I think it would make sense that the original proposer and seconder of a given motion would be the most appropriate people to put forward such a motion, if they agreed with the suggestion. |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 9:07pm | Hi Jim I would fully agree that common sense should prevail where non constitutional motions are amended on the day of an AGM. However changing our constitution is a more serious matter. If we permit amendments to AGM motions relating to the constitution on the day of the AGM then IMRA members who are not at the AGM cannot be aware of these changes to the foundation document of the association. That is patently unfair and to be avoided. This is not just Pedantic Pat stuff , and Charlie O Connell was correct when he made this point at a previous AGM. |
| Laura Flynn | Nov 22 2024, 9:27pm | Article 9 of the Constitution states that “ Amendments to the Constitution of IMRA must be brought as motions to an AGM or EGM. Such motions must specify the constitution articles affected by the motion. Amendments to motions relating to the Constitution may NOT ( emphasis my own) be proposed at an EGM.” Implicit in the last sentence in the article is that amendments to motions relating to the Constitution ( as opposed to motions related to the amendment of the Constitution) MAY be proposed at an AGM. It this were not the case it would/should have been clearly stated in this article which specifically deals with amendments to the constitution. With apologies and all due respect to Niamh and Brendan, I agree with Jim’s interpretation but, as always, am open to correction. |
| Miriam Maher | Nov 22 2024, 9:55pm | Jim, Birdwatching’s loss, our gain. See you all at the AGM tomorrow, thanks very much for all the inputs. We will ensure this discussion point is addressed then. Miriam |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 22 2024, 9:59pm | Thanks Laura , that’s a helpful addition but still open to interpretation I would think It does look like we have some grey area with regard to AGM Standing Orders and whether we can or cannot amend AGM motions relating to the constitution on the day of the AGM. It may even need a constitutional amendment eventually to clean it up! Hopefully we don’t spend too long haggling over it all tomorrow and can concentrate on the substance of the various motions themselves |
| Laura Flynn | Nov 23 2024, 11:39am | I’m looking at this again after a night’s sleep and a parkrun blowout. I’m really just bringing this up again in the hope that it can be resolved fairly swiftly today and, again, fully respecting and recognising the views expressed by others. I still think that implicit in Article 9 is that amendments to motions relating to the Constitution MAY be proposed at an AGM. In my opinion, Article 6 is consistent with this interpretation in stating that “Amendments to motions can be taken in accordance with the Standing Orders…..” If the drafters had wanted to exclude from this Motions relating to the Constitution, I believe they would have stated it here. My view would be that, in using this wording in both articles, the drafters fully recognised the importance of amendments to the Constitution and that the membership should be involved and aware as far as possible. All members are or should be aware that the AGM is taking place today and of the motions proposed. If they look at the Constitution they can see that the motions can be amended at the AGM and if they feel strongly enough my view is that they should make every effort to attend and have their say. |
| Turlough Conway | Nov 23 2024, 12:35pm | Folks Meetings run under the standing orders. Regarding proposals: Normally--Amendments to proposals are usually allowed, the person making the amendment makes the case and there is discussion and the members vote on the amendment. I would suggest on the day that the 'written' requirement should be waived as current standing orders do not appear to have been easilt available to members in advance of the meeting. I would also suggest the relevant parts of the standing orders around amendments (or otehr areas as necessary) are read out at the outset of the meeting so there is clarity. |
| Jim Fitzharris | Nov 23 2024, 12:52pm | I had missed that reference in Article 9 and distinction here between an AGM and an EGM regarding amendments to motions relating to the Constitution – well spotted Laura! I am mystified as to why that is the case. The old constitution (which prevailed before 2009 when the current version was adopted) did not have such a distinction. Brendan has rightly identified a grey area regarding the Standing Orders for an AGM or EGM. The Standing Orders are read out at the start of a general meeting and must be adopted by those attending. Apart from that, the Constitution is silent on them. I do not know who prepares/drafts the Standing Orders but I could be missing something. I think that this is an areas that does need to be addressed. Standing Orders are very important because they govern how the meeting is conducted and, in particular, they are quite detailed on how motions are dealt with. Brendan is understandably concerned about IMRA members not at the AGM being unaware of possible changes to the Constitution due to an amendment to a motion relating to the Constitution being tabled on the day. With respect, this conflates a minor amendment to an existing motion with an entirely new motion. We are all agreed that new motions proposing changes to the Constitution cannot be tabled on the day of an AGM but must be advertised in advance. On that basis, every IMRA member can see them and comment via the Forum if they so wish. This can certainly be useful in framing the debate on such motions and sometimes leading to amendments being mooted in advance of the AGM. What we are talking about here is minor tweaking to a motion that has already been advertised in an effort to clarify or improve it. Brendan is right that, in this case, every member is not in a position to see the amendment(s) and comment if necessary. However, we are agreed that such tweaking cannot change the substantive content of the motion but must only be minor. On that basis, I do not believe that lack of sight of the amendment(s) for those not at the AGM is that critical. There is plenty of debate at the AGM about various topics which can influence voting on motions and other matters under discussion. Members not present cannot be aware of these either. However, he real nub of the matter here is that ONLY those attending the IMRA AGM can vote on motions (or amendments thereto). In other words, be there or be square. IMRA does not have any provision for proxy voting so absent members’ votes cannot be recorded on the day. I am not trying to start a debate on the issue of proxy voting. While this is standard in legal entities (e.g. companies, charities, etc.), I am not sure to what extent it is used in unincorporated organisations like ours. Proxy voting, while simple and egalitarian in theory, can be quite complex in practice. When it is used, it must have its own suite of detailed rules and regulations governing how it is done and administered on the day of the meeting. |
| Richard Nunan | Nov 23 2024, 12:58pm | The AGM is in an hour lads. The Standing orders will be read out. Where normal order should then resume. Do we really need to be still on the forum. See you all there. Thanks |
| Turlough Conway | Nov 23 2024, 12:59pm | Motions to advise amendments to competition rules can be tabled even though they are non binding (as other motions can be). The AGM adopting the motion gives weight to it and a proposer may make non binding motions if she/he chooses. Non binding motions are implicitly advisory. |
| Brendan Lawlor | Nov 23 2024, 7:38pm | Today’s AGM was one for the ‘hardy constitutionalists’ as Peter O’Farrell once memorably termed us. Detailed debates on the interpretation of Standing Orders was followed by substantial and painstaking debates and then arguments and voting on amendments to motions, then the motions themselves. If you weren’t there you’ll just have to wait and see what was decided in your absence. After all that, we then quickly reelected the committee as we were all exhausted and several of us had lost the will to live ! But it was a great exercise in democracy and sensible debate and compromise. Thank you to everyone who presented reports and updates, big thank you to the outgoing committee and best of luck to the new old committee in the year ahead ! But a special word of thanks to everyone who contributed today and see you all in the hills soon ! |
| Miriam Maher | Nov 25 2024, 6:32pm | Evening! Many thanks to all those that attended the AGM on Saturday. We set a new standard in careful dissection of what is involved in motion setting, amendments to same, the amendments to the amendments and not forgetting to vote at the appropriate time on any of the amendments...to the amendments. You get the picture. All of this was done without anyone falling out with anyone, with everyone listening to each other and respecting each other's time to speak. So basically, strong but nice debating! Thank you to everyone for being this way and lasting the course, that was a long AGM. The Treasurer's update is available on request and my address/round up of the year's activities is available to read on the link below. https://media.imra.ie/ad-hoc/Presidents_Address_November_AGM_2024.pdf We all got re-elected to our roles, so we all remain contactable on the same email addresses. For a few of us, due to the motion passed at the AGM around committee role terms, this year ahead will be our last year in our roles. We will do our best to make what we do count for you. The constitution is being updated currently to reflect the changes that were passed through the motions raised. Thank you all for your support last year and here's to another year of racing and good times on the hills. Miriam |
| Conor Murphy | Dec 7 2024, 9:26am | I know ordinary members who are disappointed with the content and tone of the first 2 paragraphs of the final page and the new "rule by chats" policy. 1. You are right in saying that emails and the forum have limitations when it comes to raising and assessing issues. But at least they allow the right to reply. In that regard, both are far better than the President's Address. 2. You refer to issues with "some other parties", plural. If there are issues in communications between IMRA and multiple groups, then perhaps any problem is not with them? 3. Of course chats may be appropriate, such as at the outset of a complaint in a workplace. In many organisations chats are part of a clear grievance process. Does IMRA have this process? And they may be completely inappropriate, such as when dealing with a representative group that has report back to others etc. 4. The idea of rule by chats only seems very unusual. Can you point to other national organisations that apply this so we can see how they get on? The Address also glossed over some issues and completely missed others, but we can look at those in due course. |
| Linda Rowden | Dec 17 2024, 6:02pm | Hi all, The draft minutes of the AGM are available on request. If anyone would like a copy, email me at secretary@IMRAdotie Thanks, Linda |
| Miriam Maher | Dec 19 2024, 9:18am | More post AGM updates: The constitution has now been updated to reflect the motions passed at the AGM. Please find the current constitution at the following link: https://imra.ie/constitution/ We have also added a link to the standing orders to ensure that this aspect of the future AGMs is very clear in advance. Many thanks to Linda and Eoin for prioritising these documents and website updates before the festivities take over! |
