Scout master gets nod for a second term as chief

A Cork man has been re-appointed chief scout of Ireland for a further three-year term.

The appointment was ratified after the re-election of Fermoy man Michael John Shinnick at the Scouting Ireland AGM.

He was elected with overwhelming support from the 620 delegates — both adult and youth members.

He will now continue with the challenge of leading the staff and volunteers of Scouting Ireland, the fastest growing youth organisation in the country.

Mr Shinnick is a well-known businessman and director of Micro Bio, a chemical manufacturing company.

Scouting Ireland has evolved over time and has outlived its traditional image to become a modern organisation creating “tomorrow’s citizens”.

It has 462 scout groups based in every county and is opening about 20 groups each year.

Scouting Ireland’s membership was 32,283 in 2004 but now stands at 42,668, an increase of 32%.

Mr Shinnick said he was pleased and honoured to be elected to serve a second term. “I am hoping to continue with the help of both the leadership and the staff to build on Scouting Ireland’s existing strengths and develop in new directions that will ensure future sustainability and growth of the association,” he said.