Proposed Constitutional Amendments for Approval at the 2026 AGM
The Senior Committee is proposing a number of updates to the Loughrea RFC Constitution. The majority of the constitution remains unchanged. The amendments are intended to reflect current club operations, improve governance, align the constitution with the club’s financial year, and provide greater flexibility in committee administration.
Senior Committee Composition
Current Wording
The Senior Committee shall include:
- Vice President
- Assistant Honorary Secretary
- Assistant Honorary Treasurer
- Child Welfare Officer
- Club Captain(s) (Senior Team Captain(s))
- Three Ordinary Members
Proposed Wording
The Senior Committee shall include where possible:
- Vice President
- Assistant Honorary Secretary
- Assistant Honorary Treasurer
- Child Welfare Officer
- Club Captain / Senior Rugby Representative
- Co-opted additional members as required (e.g. Sub-Committee Leads)
Reason for Change
To allow broader representation from rugby operations and provide flexibility to include key sub-committee leads where required.
Senior Committee Quorum
Current Wording
The quorum of Senior Committee meetings shall be 7.
Proposed Wording
The quorum of Senior Committee meetings shall be 5.
Reason for Change
To ensure committee business can continue efficiently where attendance numbers fluctuate.
Meeting Format
Current Wording
The Senior Committee shall hold not less than one General Meeting per month during the rugby football season.
Proposed Wording
The Senior Committee shall hold not less than one General Meeting per month during the rugby football season. This meeting can be in person, online or both.
Reason for Change
To formally permit hybrid and online meetings.
Operations and Powers of Senior Committee:
Current Wording
The quorum of Senior Committee meetings shall be 7.
Proposed Wording
The quorum of Senior Committee meetings shall be 5.
Current Wording
The Senior Committee shall hold not less than one General Meeting per month during the rugby football season.
Proposed Wording
The Senior Committee shall hold not less than one General Meeting per month during the rugby football season. This meeting can be in person, online or both.
Reason for Change
Notice of Senior Committee Meetings
Current Wording
The monthly Senior Committee Meeting shall be convened by the Honorary Secretary who shall give each member due notice (minimum of 7 days).
Proposed Wording
The monthly Senior Committee Meeting shall be convened by the Honorary Secretary monthly or more frequently if required, who shall give each member due notice (minimum of 7 days).
Reason for Change
To provide flexibility for additional meetings where club business requires.
Financial Year Alignment
Current Wording
No specific club financial year defined.
Proposed Wording
Annual accounts should be kept from 01 June to 31 May each year.
Reason for Change
To align the constitution with the club’s accounting and reporting cycle.
Annual General Meeting Timing
Current Wording
The AGM of the Club shall be held in the month of May each year.
Proposed Wording
The AGM of the Club shall be held in the month of June each year to align with the closing of accounts on 31 May each year.
Reason for Change
To allow final accounts to be completed before presentation to members.
AGM Notice Period
Current Wording
No minimum notice period explicitly stated.
Proposed Wording
The AGM Meeting shall be convened by the Honorary Secretary, who shall give each member due notice (minimum of 14 days) in writing of the hour, date and place.
Reason for Change
To provide clarity and ensure adequate notice is given to members.
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) Notice
Current Wording
The Honorary Secretary shall within 15 days from receipt of such requisition convene an EGM.
Proposed Wording
The Honorary Secretary shall within 14 days from receipt of such requisition convene an EGM.
Reason for Change
To simplify timelines and align with a standard two-week notice period.
Temporary Membership for Visitors
Current Wording
Members and officials of visiting teams (including the match official) shall be deemed temporary honorary members for the day.
Proposed Wording
Visitors, members and officials of visiting teams (including the match official) shall be deemed temporary honorary members for the day.
Reason for Change
To formally extend temporary honorary status to all visitors attending the club.
Constitution Cover and Version Update
Current Wording
Constitution for Loughrea RFC
Proposed Wording
Constitution for Loughrea RFC – Updated at 2026 AGM.
Reason for Change
To identify the constitution version approved by members.
Summary
The proposed amendments primarily:
- Align the AGM and accounts with the club’s financial year.
- Modernise committee meeting procedures.
- Improve governance flexibility.
- Expand representation on the Senior Committee.
- Clarify notice periods and membership provisions.
Members will be asked to approve these amendments at the AGM.
Ballygasty, Loughrea, Co. Galway H62AP03
