Castleblayney Cancer Society hosted their AGM in the Glencarn Hotel on Thursday 7th March. Prior to the actual business of the AGM the new Castleblayney Cancer Society Web-site was Launched, Kevin Loughran Managing Director of Inventise designed the site. He give an overview of the functions and workings of it. He then outlined what the website contained. This includes the history of the Society, the different services it has to offer, how to make contact, fundraising ideas and how donations can be made online. Kevin spoke about the great work the Society does for the area. The website was designed and developed by Kevin and other members of his family, who kindly donated it in memory of their mother, Mary Loughran of Cavanaguilla.

The company Inventise are also going to continue updating and maintaining the Website. The website will greatly enhance the service provided and allow easy access to information about the society. The website address is www.castleblayneycancersociety.com and the email address is info@castleblayneycancersociety.com .

The next item on the agenda was the presentation of a cheque for €10,250 from Owen Cunningham along with his family and friends who held a hugely successful Golf Classic in Concra Wood last year. This Golf Classic was held in memory of his wife, the highly regarded and much loved Una. This was the second year for this golf classic and it would seem like this is going to be an annual event as Owen, his family and friends have the third one organised for the 10th May 2013 next in Concra Woods. Watch out for press details or log onto www.castleblayneycancersociety.com

The Irish Cancer Society was represented at the AGM by Ena Barrett who is their Regional organiser for the Connaught/Ulster area. She gave a very informative talk on the work the Irish Cancer Society do with particular emphasises on the use of funds raised on Daffodil Day which are used to provide support and help for cancer patients in their own home.

Following a photo call the meeting proceeding to the 23rd AGM.

The meeting was opened by Chairperson, Mairead McGuinness who welcomed everyone to the AGM. She reported that quite a few people in the Castleblayney area availed of the service in the past year. Unfortunately some of these people did not survive but quite a number of people are living fulfilled lives after treatment.

The services provided by the Cancer Society include support and funding for:

• Travel expenses to and from hospital for treatment
• Home support and Home care assistance
• Night nursing and sessional nursing
• Equipment not provided by the HSE
• Funding in the event of loss of income as a result of cancer
• Childcare if a parent requires treatment

Daffodil Day is an annually fund raising event organized locally by the Castleblayney Cancer Society. Funds raised on Daffodil Day are sent to the Irish Cancer Society. They in turn help fund the palliative care service, night nursing service and oncology service, cancer helpline which many people find invaluable

The Treasurer Mary Connolly reported on funds raised to support Castleblayney Cancer Society. As with previous years there were many different types of fund raising events which ranged from concerts, dances and body shaves. The many fund raising events were too numerous to mention individually but she thanked all who contributed in any way to the work of the society. The Treasurer reported that the accounts remain in a health state. This last year the society spent €80,000 approx. funding the services which are provided. The accounts were audited voluntary by Peadar Connolly of Connolly and McCabe, Accountants.

The Chairperson thanked the Public Health Nursing Team for their help and support in ensuring that all patients experiencing cancer get the best possible care. On behalf of Castleblayney Cancer Society she wished Nurse Kathleen Hughes a long and happy retirement.

Unfortunately our PRO, Marie Doherty who has held that position since the society was formed tended her resignation. Mairead paid tribute to Marie’s wonderful work she did promptly and efficiently and is a pleasure to work with. Mairead informed all that Marie was staying on as a committee member for which we are all delighted.

The election of officers followed:

Chairperson Mairead McGuiness, Secretary Teresa McGuigan, Ass Secretary Tracey Liddy O’Connor, Treasurer Mary Connolly, PRO Tracey Liddy O’Connor. Committee Members – Marie Doherty, Tina Carragher, Ursula McGuigan, Lexie Oliver, Dr Mary Flanagan, Mary Smith, Linda Finnegan, Bernie Ruddy, Deirdre McGinn, Genevieve McEneaney, Mary McMahon, Ruth McCully, Janet Hill and Fr Pat McHugh.

There was no other business and the meeting was ended.