Murphy ‘honoured’ by Connacht role.
THURSDAY was an immensely proud day for all connected to Sligo GAA as Tubbercurry’s John Murphy became the 6th man from the county to become President of the Connacht Council. Mr Murphy comes from a family steeped in GAA, with his late grandfather, Jack Brennan, being the first ever Connacht President.
Mr Murphy said it was a great honour for his club, Tubbercurry, for Sligo and his family. He acknowledged his wife, Ailish, and his children, Roisín, Cliodhna and Aoibheann who have been a great source of encouragement and support over the years.“It’s a big honour for me, I’m delighted to become Connacht President, it’s good for my club, Tubbercurry, and for Sligo to have a Connacht President. Hopefully I can do well and bring about success.” The last Sligo President was Shamrock Gaels’s Lauri Quinn, who was in the role when Sligo won the Connacht title in 2007.
Mr Murphy said that 2021 will bring about challenges as Covid-19 continues to impact on the association and wider community, but he added that there are brighter times ahead.
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on people, people have lost family members and that has been so tragic.” He said that going forward, in terms of the financial concerns the pandemic has brought, things will have to be planned carefully and he acknowledged the huge role the GAA played in communities throughout Ireland as the pandemic hit. “The GAA is in every part of the country and we knew it before down through the years that when there was a crisis, the GAA rallied around and most people are involved in the GAA and that is what is so great about the organisation, it is so widespread.”
Watching proudly on virtually on Thursday night, was Mr Muphy’s mother, Christina, who, prior to the pandemic, had never missed a Sligo game. “My mum is delighted too, it was a big night for her. These are great things for the whole family, my grandfather Jack Brennan was the first and that’s a good reason to be there, but the reason I am there is because I want to be there too,” Mr Murphy added. “It is great for my mum and my late father, Tommy Joe, and all my brothers and sisters too.”He also especially remembered his late brother Tomas, who passed away some years ago and who he said would be very proud.
Since he took over the role, Mr Murphy has been inundated with messages of congratulations and he laughed that his phone was lit up. “I really appreciate greatly all the support, it’s a matter of working at it now and bringing about positive results.” He also acknowledged the unwavering support he has received over the years from the County Board.
“The County Board has always been really good to me and while some issues might have been discussed about football, everyone is very good friends of mine and without their support, as getting to this position all came about through election, I would not be here as President today,” Mr Murphy said.
He also paid tribute to his club for their support to him. “Tubbercurry is a big GAA town and it is great for the club, it’s a brilliant club and I’m delighted to be a part of it,” he added.
In his address at the Connacht Convention on Thursday night, Mr Murphy paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr Gerry McGovern, from Cloone, Co Leitrim. “I wish to thank the outgoing President Gerry McGovern for the huge effort he put in over the past three years and the work he did. “Gerry, you had a difficult year with the pandemic and your health issues earlier but at all times you kept the spirits up and did the Council a service.
“I thank you for all the support you gave me over the three years and look forward to having you around in the future. I welcome the incoming Vice President, Vincent Neary, and indeed am excited about working with you for the next three years. I also welcome all new members to the Council and wish those who are leaving good health and good luck. I have always enjoyed the support of the staff here in Bekan and very much look forward to being in your company for my term in office.
“As Uachtaran, John Horan, approaches his time to leave office, I wish he and Paula well and thank him for his support during my time as Leas-Uachtaran. As Larry MacCarthy prepares to assume the highest office, I wish to guarantee him my support for his time as Uachtaran.”
Mr Murphy also acknowledged the encouragement and support he received while attending, secondary school in Carraig na bhfear, Co. Cork, Agricultural College in Multyfarnham and five years in U.C.D. “In all of these environments – family, club, county and colleges I learned much from great GAA people, gained experience and got positive encouragement. This has meant so much to me and I am grateful to all.” He continued: “In more recent years I have picked up invaluable experience here in Connacht Council and on various committees in Croke Park for which I thank all concerned.
“I now hope to deliver positively as President of Connacht Council. Success can only be achieved if we all work together in the promotion of the GAA in the province. I am the 37th President of the Council and the sixth Sligo person to hold the office – my grandfather – Jack Brennan being the first. All good in their own way and some brilliant, but it is not my desire to exceed the achievements of anyone of them, or the best but rather to do the best that I can over the next three years.
“It is important in this respect, that all committees in the council, and there are about 20, work to promote the province as opposed to attempting to gain advantage over another. With the combined effort of the Council each county or unit will be better placed to realise their true potential.”
He also praised the staff at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, who he described as highly skilled and professional, adding that the COE is an outstanding facility with the development of the Dome now complete, adding it is the leader of its type in the country and beyond. “It is a credit to those who had the foresight to develop it and I pay tribute to the former presidents, council members and staff who supported the project over the years and in particular the irrepressible Runaí, John Prenty.”
He said it was his view that Congress should run in 2022 with the county season in the early part of the year and the club during the summer/autumn period as he believes it will thrive in that space.
“The Tier two competition (The Tailteann Cup) for senior intercounty football, will commence this year, I believe this is a very welcome development and should be widely promoted.
“We must commend the fixtures review committee for all their work in this regard and the Uachtarán John Horan for persisting. This development should lead to a decrease in spending on county teams as the season is more tightly defined.” Mr Murphy also thanked Croke Park for its support and lead to all members during the pandemic, as the new Connacht President looks ahead to a brighter 2021.