Mick McGrath from the Aodh Ruadh club has been elected as the 43rd Donegal GAA Chairman.
The 63-year-old McGrath was elected to the position without the need for a contest at tonight’s Convention in Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey.
McGrath was proposed by Aodh Mairtín Ó Fearraigh and seconded by Gerard Ferguson before officially taking office, succeeding Sean Dunnion in the top job.
The Ballyshannon-based publican, who is the proprietor of the Bridgend Bar in his hometown, has long since held a desire to become County Chairman.
After nominations were submitted, McGrath was the first to declare his candidacy.
Former Tanaiste Mary Coughlan had indicated an interest, but subsequently withdrew from the race, as did Aodh Mairtín Ó Fearraigh, Frankie Doherty, Cieran Kelly, Niall Erskine and Grace Boyle.
Five years ago, in 2012, McGrath, from Ballyshannon, was beaten by Dunnion to the position. There were only nine votes (88-79) between them that Sunday afternoon in the Abbey Hotel.
McGrath was a leading inter-county referee in the 1990s and has also refereed Donegal SFC finals in his time.
He has served as Donegal PRO, Development Officer, Ulster Council delegate and Children’s Officer, while he was elected to the National Referees’ Development Committee.
Treasurer Cieran Kelly will serve a fifth and final year in his role, while there are no new faces at the top table, bar McGrath.
The only vote of the night saw Coaching Officer Conor McDermott stave off the threat of Oisin Cannon. McDermott won the vote 105-36.
2018 Donegal GAA Executive
Chairman – Mick McGrath
Vice Chairman – Frankie Doherty
Secretary – Aideen Gillen
Assistant Secretary – Declan Martin
Treasurer – Cieran Kelly
Assistant Treasurer – Paddy Tinney
PRO – Ed Byrne
Development Officer – David McLoone
Oifigeach Gaeilge agus Cultúir – Fergus McGee
Coaching Officer – Conor McDermott
Central Council Representative – Seamus Ó Domhnaill
Ulster Council Representatives – PJ McGowan, Liam McElhinney
Tags: