Special Olympics Annual General Meeting

The AGM order of business followed the Notice of Annual General Meeting as issued to our members.

Fittingly, athlete Margaret Turley, who was appointed as one of the Sargent Shriver Global Messengers earlier in 2024 opened proceedings with a very well delivered address about her new role and experience to date.

Director of Operations, Jo McDaid took both in-person and virtual attendees through logistics before handing over to Brendan O’Brien, Chairperson of the meeting, who welcomed the attendees and gave the Chairperson’s Address. 

Brendan focused on the Board’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of governance, and thanked all the people who contribute so much to make sure that quality opportunities are available to all our athletes into the future.  

The Chairperson confirmed Special Olympics Ireland is compliant with the Charities Governance Code, the Sport Ireland Governance Code and Anti-Doping Policy.

• CEO, Matt English, presented the company’s 2023 Annual Review.  You can view the full version of the 2023 Annual Review here.
• Treasurer Donal Courtney presented the Financial Statements and Directors’ Report for the year ending 31st December 2023, which can be viewed here.
• Athletes George Fitzgerald and Michael Carr, both members of the Athlete Voices Group jointly gave an inspirational and considered update on the activities of the Group since the previous 2023 AGM.
• Company Secretary, Rose Alice Murphy, presented the resolutions of the AGM, all of which were carried unanimously by the Members and Delegates.

Retirements

Recognition and thanks were expressed for the dedication and contribution of outgoing Board Members:

• Dr. Nazih Eldin - Member of Finance Audit & Risk Committee (FARC)
• Mary Moran - Family Member & Governance Committee
• Aengus Sheerin - Chair Connaught Region & Member of Sports Advisory Group
• Paul Malone - Chair Eastern Region & Member of Sports Advisory Group

Appointments

The AGM noted the appointment of:

• Jillian O’Sullivan as a Company Director who replaces Louise O’Loughlin as the Regional Chairperson of the Leinster Region.
• Evelyn Bohan as a Company Director who replaces Aengus Sheerin as the Regional Chairperson of the Connaught Region
• Jennifer Holohan as a Company Director who replaces Paul Malone as the Regional Chairperson of the Eastern Region

The following directors who were eligible for a further two years were re-appointed.

• Brendan O’Brien
• Anne Kiely
• Charlotte Donnelly
• Rose Alice Murphy
• Laura Murphy

In line with Articles 7.2.5 (A), 7.2.5 (C) and 7.2.5 (D) the following directors were elected.

• Rob Hartnett
• Ronan O’Flynn
• Gary Desmond

Mazars were re-appointed as the statutory auditors of the Company and authorisation was given to the directors to fix the remuneration of the statutory auditors for the year ahead.

The AGM was opened for questions and shortly afterwards, matters were brought to a close.

Thanks was expressed to all who attended and to our many stakeholders for their vital on-going contributions.