A Chairde, Beatha agus Sláinte.

Apologies for not being able to attend the AGM.

The post of Women's Officer was created in 2006 to help promote chess amongst women players. I have been in contact with most of the current women players this season and have asked for their input in the drafting of a five year plan. Needs vary between the age-groups but coaching has been identified as a priority among our younger players. We hope to start this in the 2007-8 season. The younger players have also expressed a desire to have a women only competition and we shall have the first of these, a one day unrated event at the end of October (date to be finalised). Other longer rated events may follow depending on demand. The Irish Women's Championship is to be restarted next year. An evolving role, initial feedback indicates that most of the younger players especially are very glad that there will be special attention paid to them.