T.M.S. News
A.G.M. 2011
Our annual General Meeting took place on Thursday evening last in the Premier Hall when a large attendance reviewed the season just passed and looked forward to more of the same to come in 2012. The meeting was preceeded by an EGM to alter our constitution in order to provide for four co-options to committee, should the need arise. Heretofore, three co-options for special duties was allowed.
Chairman Mary Butler reported a very successful year for the Society and looked forward to our 60th anniversary celebrations on October 30th which will see the launch of our history - ' From Page to Stage- A History of Thurles Musical Society'. The evening, which will take place in the Anner Hotel, will be a very special one for the Society she said, and she looked forward to meeting all members, past and present for the launch of the book which charts the Society from the beginning to today. "I think people will regard the book in a very welcoming light and will look on it as something very positive for the Society. It will also be a chance to look forward to all that is to come in the years ahead," she said. She also looked forward to welcoming our members, old and new, to the four rehearsals in the Anner Hotel to prepare for the launch night and every effort is being made to get people from across the decades to turn up and join our current company on stage. Those rehearsals take place on October 6, 13, 20 and 27th.
In acknowledging the level of support for the Society in the community, Mary Butler added that through her experience with the Association of Irish Musical Societies, companies across the country are going to the wall regularly, and are unable to stage any shows. "That would the last straw for us and thankfully, though times are very tough, we have been able to maintain our standards and keep the show on the road. That is in no small way due to the support we have across all sectors and we should never take that for granted," the Chairman said.
Me and My Girl was a great success thanks to the fine work of Director Oliver Hurley and to the cast and chorus, the Chairman said. She added that we reduced our ticket prices and felt that it was better to have the Premier full at reduced prices, rather than half empty at the higher prices. The opening night in conjunction with the Thurles Lions Club Order Malta Ambulance Project was a huge success thanks to the major work of Sinead Ni Riain and her team.
Mary also mentioned the fundraisers we participated in, including our show launch night in Cu Cullen - good wishes were extended to John and Margie Cullen who have returned to Waterford - our bag pack in Dunnes Stores, and our Balloon Race and Table Quiz in Skehan's all of which were successful events. Looking forward to 2012's show, Calamity Jane, with new Director David Heffernan from Kilkenny, Mary described it as a lovely show with great music and comedy - just what the doctor ordered in these tough times.
In conclusion, the Chairman said that she was "taken aback and gobsmacked' at being made an Honorary Life Member of the Society on the final night of the show. It was a very generous touch by the committee and the Society, she said, and she added that this would be her final year as Chairman. "I can assure you of that," she said.
Secretary Laura Ryan added her voice to the AGM and said in her report that she was honoured to be asked to represent the Society at the AIMS Awards in the Best Visual category. She congratulated all involved in Me and My Girl and said that it was a great show and a fantastic time for everyone involved. "Our front line was particularly excellent and they did huge work to bring the high quality show we had. I think this was reflected in the response we received," she said.
Treasurer Antoin O'Brian gave a comprehensive rundown of the finances of the Society and thanked all those who engaged in the budgetting process. He paid a sincere tribute to the business community of Thurles and further afield who continue to be as generous with their support as ever. The Anner Hotel has been our main sponsor since 2004 and has made a huge contribution to the Society. "I shudder to think where we would be today without that support and the support of everyone, from patrons to sponsors, advertisers, and those who buy our raffle tickets, programmes etc," he said, Sympathy was extended to Frank Mulcahy of the Anner Hotel on his recent bereavement as well.
Patron Fr Martin Hayes acknowledged the contribution of the Society to the parish and noted that the links with the Cathedral Choir continue to grow and develop. He reflected on a very successful year for the Society and looked forward to the coming one as well.
AGM concluded with debate and discussion on a host of issues including a show for 2013.
Officers Elected:
President: Alice O'Brien
Vice President: Alice Hogan
Chairman: Mary Butler
Secretary: Laura Ryan
Treasurer: Antoin O'Briain
Committee: Mary Egan, Mary Callanan, Finbarr Shelly, Gary Dempsey, Mary Long, Brendan Bailey, Michelle O'Connell.
PRO ( Noel Dundon), Musical Director (Mary Rose McNally) were co-opted at the first meeting of the new committee on September 27th.
Web Mistress (Nóra Tuohy) also takes up special duty.
Thurles Musical Society to Launch History Book
Thurles Musical Society will launch it's history book ' Stage to Page - A History of Thurles Musical Society' on Sunday October 30th in the Anner Hotel as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
The book - 330 page full colour publication - has been written and edited by the Society's PRO, Noel Dundon and contains hundreds of photos taken throughout the six decades of musical theatre in the Cathedral Town.
An open invitation is being extended to everyone to attend this gala event which will feature enertainment from Society members, and a big house band to follow with music, song and plenty of dancing. So, mark the date in your diary - Sunday, October 30th in the Anner Hotel. It should be a special night for Thurles Musical Society, and will be a great night for everyone who attends. Looking forward to seeing you there.
T.M.S. NEWS ARCHIVE
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