As most members will know, Ronan Sweeney retired from the committee this year after serving as Club President for two years. It was an honour to work alongside Ronan, and I have to attest to the huge amount of time he contributed to club business. I think it is fair to say that Ronan presided over a transformational time in our clubs history. With his vision and drive the club has transformed form a small local club to one of the biggest in Brisbane, and one of the top 10 in Queensland! He championed the development of what is considered by TQ to be the best Juniors program in Queensland, he developed and promoted our current sponsorship framework that has allowed our club to grow and prosper, and he worked tirelessly with the club coaches to ensure a structure existed for everyone from our first timers through to seasoned Ironman competitors (like himself). To list all these achievements is dangerous, as I am sure I will have missed many many more than I mention, but most importantly he fostered the club spirit that makes Bayside a great club to belong to.
At the same time he competed in many half and full Ironman races, trained hard, was a constant belting up and down the waterfront with his famous ‘Sweeney Swagger’, led out many a sprint on group rides, and started a new business from the ground up! No rest for the wicked!! It was also rumoured he is the clubs biggest supporter of Pie shops!
Ronan, I know I speak for all the committee when I say you will be truly missed (although the meetings will be somewhat shorter now!).
On behalf of all the clubs members I had the great pleasure to present Ronan with a small gift at the AGM, I hope mate that it serves as a constant reminder of the many laughs and good times we all enjoyed together. From now on you can just enjoy being a regular member – one that leaves a big set of boots to fill. Cheers mate!
Bracey.
