The Northwest 10K Charity Run & Walk Committee has elected Neil Martin as its new chairperson following the organisation’s 21st AGM in the Mount Errigal on Wednesday night. The change of chief comes after the decision of James Boyle to step down from the position. Another long-serving member Grace Boyle is also retiring along with Patsy and Bridgeen Doherty, who had been ever present since the North West 10K committee was formed in 1996.
The organisation is also seeking a new PRO with Declan Kerr not seeking election for another term in the post. The new committee has now set the wheels in motion to recruit new members and would hope to complete that process in the short term as work on the 21st charity event gets underway next month. Succeeding Neil Martin as new vice-chairperson is Nancy McNamee, while the remainder of the executive is unchanged with Anne Condon (treasurer), Brendan McDaid (assistant-treasurer and race director) and Bernie Brennan and Rosemary Foy (joint-secretaries). Re-elected as committee members were Gerry Davenport, Paddy Bond, Neily McDaid, Gerard McGinley, Charlie Kerr and Norman Spratt. The honorary president is Charlie Kelly.
In his address outgoing chairperson James Boyle (pictured above) said he had enjoyed his time as head of the organisation but added it was now time for new members to give the North West 10K a fresh impetus. “There comes a time to allow new blood in and I have every confidence that the North West 10K committee can move forward successfully” Mr Boyle said. New chairperson Neil Martin paid tribute to the work of those not seeking re-election. “I would like to thank Patsy and Bridgeen Doherty, who had been committee members from the start 20 years ago, and Grace Boyle who came on board in the early years for their long and distinguished voluntary service which has helped raised nearly €750,000 for 31 very worthy charities. I also want to acknowledge the very good work done by James Boyle as chairperson and PRO Declan Kerr, who are also stepping down,” Mr Martin said.
In her report to the AGM, treasurer Anne Condon said that, since 1996, the North West 10K has raised €744,474 for 31 charities. Last year two charities the Irish Pilgrimage Trust and the Spina Bifida organisation each received €8,627 from the charity race and walk. Applications will open early in the new year for charities wishing to be beneficiaries from the 21st North West 10K Charity Run & Walk which takes place on Sunday, April 30, in Letterkenny.
