CLARE GAA has not formally hired a public relations consultant to work with the senior hurling set-up, according to board chairman, Michael McDonagh .
News of Colm Galvin’s arrival back in Clare from the US on Tuesday was announced officially via Dunphy PR, a Connolly-based company owned by Mark Dunphy. The media release, it was stated, was “issued on behalf of the Clare senior hurling management and players”.
“The 2013 All-Star midfielder’s return to the Clare panel has been welcomed by senior hurling manager, Davy Fitzgerald,” it read.
In response to a Clare Champion query, Michael McDonagh said, “The Clare County Board have not hired a PR consultant. However, Dunphy PR is advising the county board in a voluntary capacity on how best to communicate with the media.”
He maintained that this is a proactive step and one that may be formalised at a later date.
“Clare GAA is a high profile organisation and, like other organisations of similar status, it is important all public messages be communicated in a professional and timely manner. The matter of engaging Dunphy PR on an arranged basis in the future will be discussed and considered going forward by Clare GAA. Mark Dunphy is a proud Clare man and we are delighted with the assistance and advice he has provided us to date,” Mr McDonagh concluded.
By Peter O’Connell
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.