Reenascreena man vows to restore democracy at Bol Chumann

Written by Calvin Jones

Tuesday, 29 November 2005

On December 7th 2005 the members of Bol Chumann na hEireann, the national association of road bowling, will be asked to choose a new chairman. Jim Hayes of Reenascreena in West Cork says he's the man for the job!

At the request of many members, and with nominations from several regions around the country, Mr Hayes formally put his name forward for election last week.

Jim Hayes -- RCAG Chairman

Mr Hayes has been a player and active member of Bol Chumann for 29 years, and has been coaching under age bowling at club level for the last twenty. He also served as Registrar on the executive committee of Bol Chumann between 1994 and 1998, and has represented the Carbery region on the executive committee continuously since 1993. A prominent figure in the local community, Mr Hayes currently serves chairman of the Reenascreena Community Action Group (www.reenascreena.com) and has been an enthusiastic and pro-active member of Reenascreena community groups for decades. His drive and leadership have been instrumental in the success of countless community initiatives in Reenascreena, and he vows to bring the same level of commitment and energy to his chairmanship of Bol Chumann.

He believes Bol Chumann na hEireann is at a crossroads, and that the time is at hand for member to decide what kind of organisation they want. “I am very concerned at the lack of true democracy at the executive committee level,” said Mr Hayes. He cites the fact that over the past four years the current chair of Bol Chumann has refused to consider several proposals submitted in accordance with Bol Chumann's rules and constitution. Such blatant disregard for the organisation's fundamental regulatory framework is, he believes, not only disrespectful to members, but also threatens the viability of the organisation itself.

“The refusal to put forward such proposals and amendments for decision by the executive is totally unacceptable, and poses a very serious danger to the survival of our organisation,” he said.

A doomsday scenario, maybe – but Mr Hayes believes that there's a better way: “What's needed is that we abide by and implement the rules and constitution of Bol Chumann na hEireann. The full executive committee must be restored to its proper place as the decision making body of Bol Chumann, and give a solemn commitment to put this into effect when elected. I dedicate myself to serve the organisation and all its members to the very best of my ability, and to promote all aspects of the sport we all love so much.”

Talking to Jim Hayes you're left in no doubt about his commitment to and enthusiasm for the sport of road bowling. You also get a sense that, as chairman of Bol Chumann na hEireann, that enthusiasm would translate into the sort of energy and action that can only benefit the organisation. Whether that happens, of course, is down to the members on December 7^th.

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