Elections for top positions the main talking points at GAA convention
VOTES for the positions of chairperson and vice chairperson look to be the main talking points ahead of Louth’s annual convention tonight (Tuesday).
Outgoing chairman Des Halpenny will face a challenge from Bob Doheny who must step down as county Public Relations Officer (PRO) under the five-year rule
Mr Doheny’s St Kevin’s colleague David Rogers looks set to contest the position of vice-chairperson against incumbent Paddy McMahon.
All other officials on the county executive will be returned unopposed with the exception of Congress and Leinster Convention delegate positions, with five and three nominees vying for two and four seats respectively.
There were no nominations for the now vacant PRO position when the nominations were release to clubs last week.
Elections aside it could be a quiet evening as all of the motions tabled by clubs relate to competition structures and will be held over until January.
Among them is a proposal from Westerns to re-visit the idea of amalgamated intermediate and junior teams competing in the senior football championship.
Ardee St Mary’s want to remove the current holiday period around the August bank holiday weekend and they also want to see the senior final venue rotated until Louth has a new county ground.
Cooley Kickhams are proposing a knockout championship, while Dundalk Gaels want an additional six league games by splitting each divisions into six once the full 11-game programme has been completed.
St Mary’s want to re-visit the are proposing a system that will allow a club’s second team gain promotion to Division 3, but they are not seeking to change the rule introduced
that protects first teams from relegation out of the third tier.
On the financial front treasurer Aidan Berrill will report a healthy surplus of €153,384, up over €100,000 on the 2017 surplus.
There was an increase in club championship gate receipts and county team expenses dropped by almost €50,000, which should maintain Louth’s position as one of the lowest spenders on county team preparation in the country.
Despite the solid financial position, low fundraising income of just €11,168 is sure to be a bone of contention on the night.