Nominations Announced For 2020 Clare GAA Convention

Derrick Lynch

Four candidates have been nominated to succeed Joe Cooney as chairman of Clare GAA.

The O’Callaghans Mills clubman will see his five year tenure come to an end at this year’s Convention on December 15, which will be held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane, who is the current vice-chairman of the board, is one of the nominees for the chief position, while former provincial and county chairman Robert Frost of O’Callaghan’s Mills is also in the running for another term in the role.

Current PRO and Crusheen chairman Michael O’Connor has been nominated for chairman, with Jack Chaplin of Cratloe completing the four man shortlist.

All candidates must declare prior to Convention as to whether they are contesting for their positions, with clubs then casting their votes and the results revealed on the evening of December 15.

The position of vice-chairman is also up for grabs with the outgoing PJ McGuane having held the post for the maximum term. Two Kilmaley men are among those who have been nominated to succeed McGuane with Niall Romer and Michael Maher both vying for the position. Naomh Eoin clubman and Sixmilebridge resident Kieran Keating, who has completed his term as Munster Council delegate, is nominated for the position, along with O’Callaghan’s Mills clubman Neil O’Brien, with the Tulla publican being the current chairman of Bord na nÓg Iomant. It is understood all four will contest the election for the position.

There are also two positions to be filled for the Munster Council delegate roles, with Ennistymon’s John Fawl nominated for a second term. All Ireland winner and All Star Niall Gilligan of Sixmilebridge and former treasurer Bernard Keane of St Joseph’s Doora Barefield complete the line up. Two candidates will be chosen with one losing out.

This year’s Convention will also see a new President of Clare GAA elected, with two candidates in the running to succeed Padraig MacMathuna. Tubber’s Michael Lee and Whitegate’s Naoise Jordan are the nominees.

There are no other contests for the remaining spots on the executive with Ann Hayes (Lissycasey) set to be returned as vice-secretary and Michael Gallagher (Doonbeg) and Tony Brohan (Eire Óg) will continue as treasurer and vice-treasurer respectively. Sean O’Halloran (Bodyke) is expected to continue as Coaching and Games Officer, Flan O’Reilly (Cratloe) will remain as Irish and Cultural Officer, with Simon Moroney (Eire Óg) remaining on as Central Council delegate.

Should Michael O’Connor choose to contest for the chairmanship, it will mean the PRO role will become vacant.

Voting forms with a list of the final declared candidates are expected to be distributed to clubs next week.