Clare GAA has elected its first female treasurer at its 2021 Annual Convention.
Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Rebecca Sexton succeeds Michael Gallagher in the role, with the Doonbeg man announcing during his address to delegates that he was standing down.
A new chairman will also guide Clare GAA in 2022, as Kieran Keating defeated Jack Chaplin in a vote by 105-74.
The vice chairman for the coming year will be Michael O’Connor, after he overcame Paddy Smith in the vote (94-82).
The third candidate for the position, Neil O’Brien, did not stand for election.
Joining Rebecca Sexton on the finance portfolio as assistant treasurer will be Tony Brohan, after the Eire Óg man saw off the challenge of Kilrush Shamrock’s clubwoman Niomh Madigan (114-65)
In his resignation address, Mr Gallagher stated his concern about Supporters Club operating independent of the county board, and detailed correspondence from Croke Park that the practice be discontinued and all funds raised for Clare GAA be taken into the auspices of the main accounts for the coming years.
He also detailed that €60,000 was realised from the streaming of games by Clare GAA TV in 2021, while the current income from the Win a House in Lahinch draw stands at €280,000.
County secretary Pat Fitzgerald outlined that a meeting will be held on January 15th to determine the next steps in solving the relegation issues from the Clare SHC after Crusheen’s appeal to the Munster Council against the process was upheld.
Coiste na nÓg Peil chairman PJ McGuane informed delegates that 601 underage football games had been played in Clare this year, but warned that having almost 300 isolated players was causing significant issues for fixtures planning.
Irish and Cultural Officer Flan O’Reilly also signalled a note of caution that the culture of the GAA is in danger of being lost, with an emphasis on money and a move toward professionalism.
