Mountaineering Ireland’s 2025 Annual Report is available online here.
The AGM was held as an online meeting, hosted from Mountaineering Ireland’s office at Irish Sport HQ, Dublin. It was chaired by the Chair of the Board, David Pollard. There were forty-nine voting club members present representing thirty-three clubs. There was one individual voting member present.
The Chairperson, David Pollard, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone in attendance, confirming there was a quorum and explaining the voting procedure. The standing orders were noted and the minutes of the 2024 AGM held on May 27th, 2025, were approved by the voting members.
Chairperson’s address David Pollard presented a summary of some of the key activities and outcomes of 2025. It can be read in full as part of the 2025 Annual Review.
The AGM granted full membership to the aspirant clubs:
- Carrigaline Hillwalking Club
- Foxramblers Hillwalking Club
- Knockmany Running & Walking Club
- Wild Wanderers Donegal
Mary McGrath, Board member and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee presented the financial statements for 2025 summarised in the following points:
- Unqualified Audit Opinion, with no audit issues arising
- Net surplus for 2025 of €9,338 (2024 –deficit €7,892)
- Revenue Reserve at year end 31 December 2025 is €209,025
Mary also presented details and graphs, all of which is all contained in the 2025 Annual Review in the Financial Statement section.
Delegates were given the opportunity to raise questions on the financial statements, after which they were adopted by the meeting.
OSK Chartered Accounts were appointed as Auditors for 2026.
Mountaineering Ireland’s CEO, Liam Feeley, read the Safeguarding and Anti-Doping Statements.
The Motion proposed by the Board to amend the Constitution of Mountaineering Ireland, documentation available here, was discussed at length. The Motion was not approved by the voting members.
Rita Connell was elected as President and Noel Caffrey, John Henchion and Brian Kennan were elected as Ordinary Members to the Board of Directors of Mountaineering Ireland.
Rita Connell, President, concluded the meeting by thanking the members for attending and participating. She also thanked her fellow Board members, sub-committee members, club committees, and all those who volunteer across the country and represent Mountaineering Ireland. Rita gave appreciation to Liam and the staff for their ongoing efforts and extended a very special thank you to David Pollard, who after over four years is stepping down as Chair. His contribution over that time has been significant and the impact of his work is clearly seen in the organisation. David will remain on the Board as an Ordinary Member and Trish Walsh will take over as Chair. Rita wished Trish every success and concluded with well wishes for an enjoyable summer for all.