Little change on the horizon

Very few contests expected

JUST like the great Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed required a second showdown after their opening joust, Wicklow GAA heavyweights Martin Fitzgerald and Bobby Dignam look set for a rematch at County Convention next Monday evening for the role of county chairman.

Fitzgerald, like the confident and well-toned Creed in the famous 1976 movie, proved too strong for the Rathnew man last time out but could Dignam, like the feisty and rugged Rocky Balboa turn the tide this coming Monday and snatch the title from Fitzgerald’s grasp.

Only time will tell.

The election process shouldn’t delay delegates too long at the County Convention with what looks to be a significant vote of confidence being signaled by the clubs in Wicklow towards the top table given that are very few contests.

The vice chairman role will come down to Mick Hagan and Bobby Dignam if Dignam runs with Kiltegan’s Damien Byrne ruling himself out of the contest early on.

County treasurer Alan Smullen faces a contest with Rathnew’s Pat Doyle if the aforementioned decides to run. This could be an interesting battle given the experience both men have of business and administrative requirements.

Colm Finnegan will return unopposed to assistant treasurer and Chris O’Connor, Paul Wilson and Bridget Kenny will all remain seated in the roles of secretary, assistant secretary and PRO with no contests declared.

The position of Irish Cultural Officer will come down to the current role holder Shane Byrne of Coolkenno and Ann Marie Clarke of Hollywood while Brendan Smyth is safe as houses in as coaching officer with Avondale’s Owen Doyle choosing to stay in his uncontested role of hurling officer. The full list of nominatiuons are: Chairperson: Martin Fitzgerald (Áth na gCurrach); Robert Dignam (Rath Naoi).

Vice-Chairperson: Mick O’Hagan (Naomh Pádraig); Damien Byrne (Naomh Teagain); Robert Dignam (Rath Naoi).

Treasurer: Alan Smullen (Naomh Padraig); Patrick Doyle (Rath Naoi).

Assistant Treasurer: Colm Finnegan (Naomh Pádraig).

Voluntary Secretary: Chris O’Connor (Baile Coimín).

Assistant Secretary: Paul Wilson (Cillin Chaomhin).

Irish Cultural Officer): Shane Byrne (Cuil ui Chionnaoith); Ann Maire Clarke (Cillin Chaomhin).

P.R.O.: Bridget Kenny (Emmet Carn an Bhua).

Coaching Officer: Brendan Smyth (Ladhrach); Owen Doyle (Abhainn Dála).

Hurling Officer: Owen Doyle (Abhainn Dála).

Central Council Rep: Martin Coleman (Bealach Conglais); Paul Wilson (Cillin Chaomhin).

Leinster Council Rep (2): Fintan Fanning (Garda); Colm Finnegan (Naomh Pádraig); Robert Dignam (Rath Naoi); Patrick Dunne (Cillin Chaomhin); Eddie Leonard (Naomh Pádraig); Jack Napier (Emmet Bhré); Chris O’Connor (Baile Coimín).

Delegates to Leinster Convention (4): Martin Coleman (Bealach Conglais); Owen Doyle (Abhainn Dala); Patrick Dunne (Cillin Chaomhin); Martin Fitzgerald (Áth na gCurrach); Mick O’Hagan (Naomh Pádraig); Jack Napier (Emmet Bhré); Chris O’Connor (Baile Coimín); Paul Wilson (Cillin Chaomhin).

Delegates to Congress (2): Damien Byrne (Naomh Teagain); Martin Coleman (Bealach Conglais); Colm Finnegan (Naomh Pádraig); Mick O’Hagan (Naomh Pádraig); Jack Napier (Emmet Bhré); Andy O’Brien – (Dun Luain); Chris O’Connor (Baile Coimín); Victor O’Shaughnessy (Abhainn Dala); Alan Smullen (Naomh Padraig).