AGM for 2025 - Tuesday, 27 January 2026

The members of IWF Ireland assembled for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, held at Dáil Éireann on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. The event was made possible thanks to the efforts of member Liz O'Donnell, and was graciously hosted by Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle.

Attendance and Proceedings

Despite a yellow weather warning for wind and rain, the AGM saw a strong turnout with 48 members present out of a total eligible membership of 110.  President Fiona Tierney welcomed everyone. Following the approval of the minutes from the 2024 AGM, Honorary Treasurer Maeve Carton provided a summary of the financial position. She announced that membership fees for 2026 would be €380, reflecting an increased contribution to the IWF Global organisation. Maeve requested that all 2026 fees be paid by 13 February. Overall, the accounts were reported to be very healthy.

Honorary Secretary Yvonne Gilligan outlined the variety of member events held throughout the year, totalling 14. The average attendance at these events rose to 26 members, up from 20 in 2024. There were also nine committee meetings and formal IWF Global trips to Seattle and Cape Town, where IWF Ireland was represented.

A resolution was passed by the 2025 Committee to allow, at the Committee's discretion, the sitting President to access up to €4,000 to cover costs for attending the IWF Cornerstone Conference. Attendance at this event is required for a Forum President to ensure the Forum remains in Good Standing. Both the President and Vice-President recused themselves from the discussion regarding this resolution.

President’s Final Address and New Members

After the election of the 2026 Executive Committee, President Fiona Tierney delivered her final address. She thanked the attendees and reflected on the changes in the world since her last address in January 2024. Fiona paid tribute to the late Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and extended a warm welcome to the seven new members who joined in 2025: Rosheen McGuckian, Sarah Keane, Eucharia Meehan, Sharon Donnery, and Sonya Lennon from Ireland, as well as Allison Fillmore from the US and Marika Lindstrom from Finland, who transferred into the Forum during the year. Fiona expressed gratitude to her officers, the executive, and IWF Ireland administrator Barbara O'Loughlin. She received enthusiastic applause for her successful two-year term as President, as did outgoing Honorary Secretary Yvonne Gilligan and the departing executive committee members Rose Hynes, Edel Clancy, Helen Dixon, and Noelle O'Connell.

Incoming President’s Address and Upcoming Programme

Incoming President Ena Prosser then addressed the membership. Ena thanked Fiona Tierney for her mentorship and friendship and acknowledged the incoming 2026 committee. She highlighted a few upcoming events in the 2026 programme, including an event at Foodcloud in February and a visit from IWF UK to Dublin on 27–28 March. Ena also emphasised the IWF Cornerstone Conference in London in May 2026 as a valuable opportunity to meet members from across the globe. Details on further events will be shared once the 2026 executive committee meets and finalises the programme, which will include popular events such as 'dine arounds' in April and October, as well as a Christmas celebration in December.

Social Gathering and Acknowledgements

The members enjoyed a delicious meal and refreshments in the Oireachtas dining room, served by the capable and friendly catering team. In closing, thanks were extended once again to Liz O'Donnell, the catering staff, and the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, as well as the Oireachtas catering, clerks, and security teams for their ongoing support.