How many contests will take place at county convention?

More than one candidate has been nominated for five positions on the executive of Clare GAA for 2013 but it’s still not clear how many, if any, contests will take place.

The race to succeed Michael O’Neill as chairman seems to be between two candidates, former chairman, Michael McDonagh, and former coaching officer Noel O’Driscoll.

Vice-chairman Joe Cooney has confirmed that he will not be a candidate, while Sean O’Halloran, the former chairman of Bord na nÓg, has also confirmed that “after much consideration,” he will not be a candidate.

However, the popular Bodyke secretary may yet be on the executive for the coming season as he is to seek election to the post of public relations officer. The PRO, Syl O’Connor, is one of four of the outgoing executive who must vacate their posts under the five-year rule.

Former holder of this post, Des Crowe, is nominated for the position and has indicated that he will be seeking election. The Bord na nÓg hurling PRO, Tom Sheehan, is also nominated but may opt to remain on the executive of Bord na nÓg where he is unopposed.

Cooney from O’Callaghan’s Mills is favourite to be returned as vice-chairman. Michael McDonagh and Clarecastle’s Martin Reynolds are also nominated. Reynolds is the chairman of Bord na nÓg and is unopposed for another term in this position.

Former Bord na nÓg hurling secretary, Rosaleen Monahan from Tubber will be the new assistant secretary of the adult board in succession to Des Crowe, another of those who must step aside from this position having completed his five-year term.

Anne Hayes, former Bord na nÓg football secretary, is also nominated for this post but she has confirmed she will be seeking election as the board’s cultural officer in succession to Tom Burke who has also completed his term. The Lissycasey woman who is also secretary of Clare Scór, is the only nominee for the cultural officer’s position.

Munster council delegates John O’Sullivan and Tom Downes may have opposition as Naomh Eoin’s Gabriel Keating is nominated but it remains to be seen if the Fine Gael councillor will seek election.

The remaining members of the executive will be unopposed. Meanwhile, all of the outgoing officers of the underage hurling board will be returned for another term when their convention takes place next Thursday. Martin Reynolds (chairman); Joe Pender (vice-chairman); Sandra Reynolds (secretary); John Culligan (assistant secretary); Joe O’Donnell (treasurer); Tommy Hegarty (assistant treasurer) and Tom Sheehan (PRO).