Longford RFC unanimously agreed to adopt a new set of rules on how the club is governed at the recent AGM, which was held in the Longford Arms Hotel.

A large attendance was told of the benefits of adopting the new rules, which will see the current committee structure replaced by a more modern, IRFU-supported structure.

The new set-up will see a board of management elected - Honorary President, Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, head of finance, head of rugby and head of administration. Thereafter there will be committees in finance, rugby and administration constituted by the chair of each area, with representation from across the club.

A second AGM will be held on Wednesday June 9th to elect those six people to the respective positions.

Any club member who wishes to submit their nominations for the various board members can either email them to Hon Secretary Tommy Butler (click on the name to email) or download the form by clicking here (should download automatically). Nominations must be submitted by 8pm on Wednesday June 2nd next and can be emailed to Tommy.

Club President Martin Maguire praised the efforts of Tommy Butler and Ger Carthy in finalising the rules.

Prior to the passing of the new rules, Martin Maguire, in his address, first expressed a vote of sympathy with the McGuinness family and friends, and Mohill and Leitrim GAA, on the sad and tragic loss of Philly.

Speaking about the season gone by, Martin said it was a very successful one for the club, both on and off the field. He thanked the players, coaches and committees for their commitment during the 2009/10 season.

He said the numbers playing underage rugby with the club was encouraging, which he hoped would eventually lead to increased numbers playing at senior level.

Martin said the ladies had yet another successful season on the playing field, and recalled the wonderful day for the club in Old Belvedere RFC when the team won the Division Three title against Barnhall. "They have flown the flag excellently for Longford rugby club," he said.

He said it was also a successful year for the senior team, who were winners of the Midland League against Tullamore earlier in the year. Martin said that while one or two games in Division Two didn't go the team's way, it was a very good league campaign, with big improvements made on the team's performances.

This season also saw the creation of a brand new committee in the club - the Auld Blacks. Martin praised the efforts of the committee who organised a hugely successful event in the Mansion House in Dublin. He thanked all the committee members for their efforts during the year and looked forward to another great day out next year.

Martin also spoke about the development in the club, in particular the clubhouse, which has undergone a huge transformation since January. He said the developers - GEM construction - would be handing the building over to the club in the next few, at which stage it will be outfitted with the various equipment and facilities.

Having undertaken such a development, Martin said the efforts over the coming years will be on fundraising, which he said will require a big effort from all members.