Number of positions go to vote

THE Sligo GAA Convention for 2017 was held in the Radisson Blu on Thursday night last with a number of roles on the Co Board going to vote.

There were a number of people leaving their posts after the mandatory five year terms, including outgoing Secretary Gerard O’Connor, Assistant Secretary Bernardine McGauran, Development Officer John McParland, Coaching Officer Padraic Clancy and Connacht Council Rep Richard Brennan.

After the usual discussions on the end of year review, finance position, plans for 2018 etc, it was time to start voting.

Joe Taaffe (Chairman), Peter Greene (Treasurer), Francis Gallagher (Assistant Treasurer), Keith Henry (Irish & Cultural Officer), Eamon Mullen (Children’s Officer) and Gavin Cawley (PRO) all remain in their roles for 2018.

With an electorate of 93, it was time to get voting.

The first position being voted on was that of Vice Chairperson. Johnny Watters who was currently in the role, lost out to Brendan Leonard by 53 votes to 35.

Bernardine McGauran was in the running for the vacant Secretary position alongside Bill O’Kelly-Lynch. It was the Calry/St Joseph’s woman who won on a margin of 53 votes to 40.

Bernardine, who vacated the Assistant Secretary position, was replaced in that role by Donal Kirby who was uncontested.

John McPartland had completed his five years as Development Officer and his position was being contested by Padraic Clancy and Richard Brennan.

It was Richard Brennan who was successful in that, winning on a 50 to 43 margin.

Padraic Clancy had also completed five years as Coaching Officer and in the running for that were John McPartland and Cathal Martyn.

It was John McPartland who was deemed the new Coaching Officer when the votes were returned, winning by 62 votes to 31. As Richard

Bren- nan’s tenure as Connacht Council Rep was at and end, the two man position, which was also held by John Niland, saw four names in the running, including John Niland. The other three names were Johnny Watters, Gerard O’Connor and Gavin Cawley.

After the votes were counted, it was revealed that John Niland and Gerard O’Connor were the Connacht Council Reps.

The final position was that of Ard Comhairle Rep. John Murphy, currently in that role, was contesting the role along with former Co Board chairman Joe Queenan.

The results were 58 votes in favour of John Murphy with Joe Queenan receiving 34 and there was one spoiled vote.

After the voting was revealed the new and departing officers thanked their clubs and people who supported them.

Bernardine McGauran said said was appreciative of all who had supported her.

She added: “I want to sincerely thank all the people who voted for me and I would like to thank Joe Taaffe and all the Executive for their support too.”

Bill O’Kelly-Lynch said he wished Bernardine the very best in the role. Richard Brennan, the new Development Officer, also thanked all the people who supported him too. “I will work diligently in 2018 and I would like to thank everyone for their help at Connacht council too.”

Padraic Clancy wished Richard the best and said he looks forward to working with him in the new year.

John McPartland, who was announced as the new Coaching Officer, said he was delighted and looking forward to another five years at the helm.

Cathal Martyn too wished John all the best as he takes on his new position with the Co Board.

Johnny Watters, said that he had really enjoyed his two years as Vice Chairperson. John Murphy, who retained his position as Ard Comhaire Rep, thanked everyone for their support and said he will continue to work hard. Joe Queenan wished him well and continued success as Chairman Joe Taaffe congratulated the new officers and wished everyone a Happy Christmas and said Sligo GAA looks forward to 2018.