Tormey poised for fifth year in chair

OUTGOING chairman Conor Tormey (Donaghmore/Ashbourne) is likely to be returned unopposed to serve his fifth and final year at the Meath GAA annual convention in the O’Mahony’s clubhouse next Monday night.

Peter O’Halloran (Drumconrath), Eamon Barry (Walterstown) and Paddy Kelly (Kiltale) are also listed for the top position, but it will be a major surprise if any of the trio allow their name to go forward.

There will likely be a contest for vice-chairman, though, with the outgoing Peter O’Halloran being opposed by Barry.

The Walterstown clubman, who has to step down from the position of coaching officer because of the five-year rule, also contested the position 12 months ago but lost out on that occasion to O’Halloran, 111 votes to 62.

Francis Flynn (Seneschalstown) is seeking the secretary’s role for the fifth and final year and could again face a challenge from his assistant Mairead Delaney who will want to lay down a marker when he steps down in a year’s time.

Treasurer Jim Mullery (Slane) and Oifigeach na Gaeilge Cathal Seioghe (Clann na nGael) will be returned unopposed.

There could be a battle for the two Leinster Council positions, with the outgoing Brendan Cummins (Dunsany) and Francis Lynch (Kiltale) being opposed by six other possible candidates.

A new coaching officer will have to be elected to succeed Eamon Barry, and Ciaran Flynn (Dunsany), Greg Carry (Castletown), Noel Dempsey (Trim) and Micheál Ó Gallachóir (Drumconrath) have all been nominated for the position. IN his report to next Monday night’s annual convention, secretary Francis Flynn hits out at the divisiveness that existed at county board management level during the past year and stressed that it cannot be allowed to continue.

Flynn states: ‘I have served on the management committee of Coiste na Mí CLG since the late Brian Smyth appointed me to the then position of football officer at convention in 1983. Since then I have served as youth officer (which replaced football officer) which included coaching and games, assistant secretary and secretary.

‘Never in those 32 years have I