Changes on the cards at top table

A SHAKE-UP of some description is guaranteed at Louth GAA’s annual Convention next Monday night as the chairperson, secretary and assistant secretary all step down due to the five-year rule.

However, whether or not that will lead to significant changes at the top table remains to be seen.

Louth GAA had not released any information in relation to nominations, motions or financial reports at the time of going to press, but three nominees are believed to be still standing their ground to take over from outgoing chairperson Des Halpenny.

Peter Fitzpatrick is undoubtedly the highest profile of the three and is likely to be favourite to take the reins on the night.

The Independent TD is heavily involved in the new stadium project planned for the Inner Relief Road and also played for and managed the county senior team.

He faces a challenge from outgoing secretary and his Clan na Gael clubmate Fra Kieran, who departs his current position under the five-year rule.

Former vice-chairperson and outgoing Leinster Council delegate Declan Byrne is also running for the top job this time around.

Assuming they both run, the race to take over as secretary from Kieran is a straight tussle between outgoing chairperson Des Halpenny and former county PRO Bob Doheny.

If elected Halpenny will have moved from secretary to chairperson and back to secretary again, but he’ll be facing a strong opponent in Doheny, who narrowly lost out in their race for chairperson last year.

There are three names in the hunt for the vice-chair position, with the outgoing Paddy McMahon facing challenges from Fra Kieran and Sean McClean of Hunterstown Rovers.

There are three contenders for Sean Carroll’s assistant secretary position (he also steps down after five years), with Fra Kieran, Michael Boylan (Naomh Mairtin) and Maurice Harrison (Clan na Gael).

Despite there being no nominees for PRO last year, the position will be contested on this occasion, with Naomh Mairtin’s Mark Byrne up against the outgoing Frieda Halpenny, who took over the role last March after it had been vacant for a spell after Bob Doheny’s departure.

As usual there is plenty of interest in the Central and Leinster Council positions. Central Council delegate Pat Toner faces a double challenge from Kieran and Halpenny, and the same duo are challenging outgoing Leinster reps Padraic O’Connor and Declan Byrne.