Duignan in pole position to become Offaly chairman

DRAMA is promised at tonight’s Offaly GAA Convention with a swell of support among the 41 clubs handing the advantage to Michael Duignan in his bid to become county chairman.

Eyebrows were raised when Duignan put his name forward to challenge incumbent chairman Tommy Byrne but the two-time AllIreland winner has gathered huge momentum on the canvassing trail.

A host of clubs in the county – including his native St Rynagh’s – have publicly declared their support for ‘The Sunday Game’ pundit with Byrne under serious pressure to hold onto his position.

Durrow clubman Duignan has assembled a team of four to contest many of the high-profile positions on the Offaly executive committee as they look to turn around the Faithful’s ailing fortunes.

Contests

The 51-year-old is joined by Brian Gavin, who refereed four All-Ireland SHC finals in the past decade, as the Clara clubman vies to become a Leinster Council representative while Edenderry’s Colm Cummins eyes the vice-chairperson role and Clara’s Dervill Dolan contests for treasurer and assistant treasurer.

Should Duignan fail in his bid to become chairman, the other three members will not seek election in an all-or-nothing bid to seek significant change at board level.

Duignan intends to continue working for RTÉ – if his contract is renewed ahead of the 2020 season – should he be elected chairman on what should be an interesting evening in O’Connor Park.

Byrne has come under fire during his second stint at the Faithful helm having overseen the tumultuous reign of former football boss Stephen Wallace and the axing of Kevin Martin as hurling manager midway through this year’s Joe McDonagh Cup.

Gracefield clubman Byrne has been canvassing club officers and delegates on an individual basis as he bids to hold onto the hot seat.