SHOCK RESIGNATION OF ROWING CLUB SECRETARY
In a shock announcement this week The Avondhu has learned of the resignation of Donal O’Keeffe as secretary at Fermoy Rowing Club. Mr O’Keeffe, who has worked tirelessly in an effort to save the Fermoy town weir and in doing so to secure the future of the rowing club, would not comment as to the reason for his resignation from the club.
However, a senior Fermoy Rowing Club member told The Avondhu that Mr O’Keeffe felt that he had not received support, especially from club president, Cllr John Murphy, who, Mr O’Keeffe said, had undermined his efforts to ensure that the weir was repaired by Fermoy Town Council.
NO COMMENT
Mr O’Keeffe said that he “wishes the club every success for the future” then declined to comment further. Fermoy Rowing Club chairman, Pa Granville said when asked to comment on Mr O’Keeffe’s resignation said that he was “sorry to see Donal go.”
When asked for the reasons why Mr. O’Keeffe had decided to resign Mr Granville said, “Donal sent a letter of resignation to the club and cited personal reasons for his decision.”
However, The Avondhu understands that it was a comment made by Fermoy Rowing Club president, Cllr John Murphy at a recent Fermoy Town Council meeting that led to Mr. O’Keeffe’s resignation.
COPY OF LETTER
The Avondhu received a copy of Mr. O’Keeffe’s resignation letter from a member of Fermoy Rowing Club in which Mr O’Keeffe states that ‘At the October meeting of Fermoy Town Council, the club president, Cllr John Murphy, disowned publically my criticisms and stated that the rowing club is very happy with the town council.
'I felt this undermined completely my position, so, at the last committee meeting, I asked the members of the committee to decide which one of us spoke for the club. Not receiving the support of the committee, I was left with no choice but to resign’.
GREAT WORK
Asked to comment on this statement club president, Cllr John Murphy said, “Donal did great work for the club and I am sorry to see him go. I would like to see him reconsider his resignation and would like to see him back in Fermoy Rowing Club once again.”
Another club member, Ken Barry also spoke about Donal O’Keeffe’s resignation: “I am very sorry to see Donal go. His commitment and drive towards saving the weir and promoting the club will be sadly missed. Without Donal’s hard work the town would not have achieved what it has but it is Fermoy Rowing Club that will be at a loss for Donal’s departure. His unsupported and unrecognised work for the club and its members must be remembered,” Mr Barry said.
Published:
Friday 24th December 4:20pm
