Documents Archive
Annual Report 2001
A Message From an Cathaoirleach 
2001 was yet another record year for IMRO in terms of the level of royalties paid out to songwriters, composers and publishers. Net Distributable Revenue was up by a further 8% to €21.8 million resulting in the greatest payout of royalties to members and affiliated societies since the founding of the organisation in 1989. I am particulary happy to announce an increase of 7% in the amount of revenue generated from overseas sources, reflecting the increasing popularity of Irish music globally.
2001 began on a very positive note for the organisation with the presentation of the prestigious IMRO Award by an Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern to Bill Whelan at a celebration in Dublin Castle, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to Irish music and the Irish music industry. The impact that Bill and his peers have had on Irish music over the years has been immense and they have paved a somewhat smoother way for so many other Irish artists to achieve and enjoy success.
We are currently witnessing an explosion of home grown Irish songwriting talent with many of these writers garnering widespread critical acclaim and attracting large audiences and fan bases across the country and throughout the world. We have seen the release of some superb recordings recently and the future certainly looks bright in terms of creative output so we should expect many more success stories from IMRO members in the months and years ahead.
On the membership front, IMRO is constantly looking at ways of improving the quality and range of services that it provides to its membership. Many new services, especially in the area of online communications have now been introduced. These service enhancements will continue over the next few months with some very exciting developments taking place that will give very real and tangible benefits to the IMRO membership.
Turning to the administration of IMRO I would like to pay special tribute to the Chief Executive, Adrian Gaffney, and to the entire management team and staff at IMRO whose work ethic of diligence, commitment and unfaltering dedication to the protection of the rights of music creators and publishers, has resulted once again in a momentous year for the organisation.
I also forward my appreciation to the members of the Board for their energy, excellent contributions to discussion, commitment and support during the course of the year and in particular I pay tribute to Barbara Galavan in her extremely supportive role as Leaschathaoirleach. My thanks also to Donagh Long in his capacity as Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
I would like to commend the other Irish copyright protection agencies working on behalf of music creators. RAAP, PPI and MCPSI. It is important that we work together albeit as individual units but with one common strategic goal and that is to collectively enhance the wellbeing of our rapidly developing industry.
Finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank the IMRO members for their continued support and encouragement throughout the year. I believe IMRO as an organisation has made significant advances to protect and enforce the rights of all those it represents. And we have exciting challenges ahead.
To be spearheading an Irish organisation that does so much to improve the wellbeing of songwriters, composers and publishers is indeed a great honour. I thank you and wish everyone well in all you do.
Sincerely,
Mike Hanrahan
Cathaoirleach
