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Cycling Ireland's 36th Annual General Meeting was held on May 18th and the on-line format drew a large attendance with an approximately 300% increase in voting delegates from last year's in-person event.
In his opening address, the President, Dr. Tom Daly, explained that the on-line format was made possible by amendments to the Constitution at the previous AGM and the Board exercised that option to help increase participation, to eliminate the cost of travel to members and to reduce the organisation's carbon footprint.
The President also outlined that the earlier date than usual was so that the regulatory reporting functions of the company AGM, such as the presentation and adoption of the audited accounts and the Directors' Report for the previous year, would be nearer to the year in question - 2023 in this case.
He also announced the intention to hold an in-person end-of-year conference on November 30th to report and discuss the sporting and operational aspects of 2024.
Dr. Daly summarised the continuing progress being made in Cycling Irelandâ's financial, governance and organisational development and thanked all elements of the organisation for their cooperation in implementing reforms. He also welcomed a new KOSI Corporation audit which began in March and anticipated that it would report very significant improvements in governance, financial and administrative development.
The President also expressed concern about cyclist' safety on the roads – saying that the current situation was not acceptable to Cycling Ireland – and outlined how the Board had formally adopted a policy of advocating for safety and that Cycling Ireland would represent member's interests in this regard.
The Adoption of Standing Orders, Approval of 2023 AGM Minutes and Approval of 2023 EGM Minutes were next on the agenda. All of which were approved.
Chief Executive Officer James Quilligan joined Cycling Ireland in June of 2023. Since then, Quilligan has overseen various organisational improvements and placed a significant focus on regaining financial stability.
Heading into 2024, the focus remains on maintaining financial stability and improving operations. Quilligan expanded:
We have come a long way in the past year but there is a lot more to do. Internally, we are working on a new strategic plan to be rolled out in 2025, along with a new communications strategy. We will increase our voice at government level in areas such as road safety, education, and land issues.
Thank you to our membership for support and input since I joined.
Susan Ahern presented the Director' Report annexed to the 2023 Annual Accounts of the company. The report was approved by delegates.
The 2023 Audited Financial Statements of the Company were presented by Cycling Ireland Chief Financial Officer, Tom Rushe.
The 2023 financial accounts were approved.
Federation Treasurer William Byrne outlined the process regarding the appointment of OSK as company auditors from 2023 – 2027, as approved by the Board. This was approved by voting delegates.
CEO, James Quilligan discussed the proposed changes to membership subscriptions for 2025, with the aim to keep the subscriptions as competitive as possible by focusing on a reduction in youth membership fees. These changes were approved for 2025.
The Reports from Commissions, Provinces and Working Groups were all approved.
Motions and Board Elections
The Motion proposed by Naas Cycling Club, requiring a special resolution, was passed.
The motion was to insert new clause, 3.3, into the Memorandum of Association section of the Constitution as follows 'to recognise the critical importance of ensuring a safe environment for cyclists when participating or competing in cycling either as an activity or as a sport, by taking a proactive leadership role in advocating for enhanced safety measures, thus aligning with its objectives to promote cycling as an activity and sport and to advocate for the rights and safety of cyclists.
Four members contested an election for two Director' positions. Conor Campbell from Drogheda Wheelers CC, who was on the Board since 2021 and is current Vice-President, was re-elected. Jonny Beers from East Antrim CC was also elected.
The President thanked all four candidates for going forward and especially acknowledged the service of outgoing Director, Carl Fullerton, who had served on the Board for seven years.
In closing the meeting, the President acknowledged that work of volunteers as the backbone of the organisation and thanked all of those who contribute at every level. He also said that the continuing fostering of trust across the organisation was a priority for members, for the CEO and for the Board. Based on this, he was confident that all elements would continue to collectively progress the development of Cycling Ireland for the benefit of the members and for cycling on the island.
The 2023 Cycling Ireland Annual Report can be found - click here