THERE were few dissenting voices raised at the eighth annual general meeting of the Federation of Irish Cyclists in Malahide on Saturday as, with the president Pat McQuaid in the chair for the first time the items on the agenda were completed quietly and efficiently in just over six hours.

Only one ballot was necessary and Pierce Butler from Oranmore resisted a challenge from Richie Beatty (Les Jeunes) by 47 votes to 28 for the position as chairman of the committee with responsibility for under-age competition.

McQuaid stays on as president for another year and Jack Watson had no opposition as secretary, but, with Paddy O'Callaghan not seeking reelection after seven years as treasurer, Peter Thornton took over. Karen Madden also stood down and was replaced as publicity officer by Conor Lally.

Frankie Campbell was also ratified as chairman of the sporting committee for another term.

The other members of the FIC board are: Dermot Dignam (chairman of the development committee), Tommy Campbell (coaching), Paddy Griffin (leisure affairs), Eamonn Lawlor (mountain bike competition).

Only 46 of the 120 clubs were represented by 77 delegates.

A motion was passed by 37 votes to 24 to change the grading system for senior licence holders from first, second and third category to just A and B grades. It was also agreed to set up provincial boards instead of the current six regions.

At the dinner and prize presentation on Saturday night David McCann received the cyclist of the year award.