Aogán Ó Fearghaíl

Aogán Ó Fearghaíl (pronounced [ˈiːɡaːn̪ˠ oː ˈfʲaɾˠɣiːlʲ]; born 1959) is an Irish sports administrator who was the 38th president of the Gaelic Athletic Association.[1] He was elected to the position at the 2014 GAA congress in Dublin. Out of a total vote of 310, Ó Fearghail received 170 votes, Sheamus Howlin from Wexford came second with 83, with Seán Walsh of Kerry third with 57.[2][3]

Biography

From Maudabawn, Drumgoon in County Cavan, Ó Fearghaíl was the first Cavan president in the 130-year history of the GAA.[4] He is the seventh man from Ulster to have acquired the role.[5] He worked his way from his native Drumgoon Éire Óg club of the GAA to the top position and has served at all levels with club, county, province and national levels.

O Fearghail is a primary school principal who has also runs many businesses with his wife. Together they managed the family shop and post office and jointly built and ran a Cultural Centre in his native County Cavan. He is also a local historian who has published local histories and is a contributor to historical seminars and heritage events. He was also for many years principal of a Gaeltacht summer college in Gortahork, County Donegal where he spends much free time.

As a GAA coach, he coached his club under 12s for 25 years and built the club from junior "also-rans" to one of Cavans strongest club units. He played hurling with Erins Hope at St Patricks College, Drumcondra and has also played handball at the highest levels.

O' Fearghail officially took over as GAA president on 28 February 2015 at the GAA's Annual Congress at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan.[1]

References
  1. "Aogán Ó Fearghail takes over as GAA President". Gaelic Athletic Association. 28 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  2. "Aogán Ó Fearghai elected". Gaa.ie. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  3. "Cavan's Aogán O Fearghail elected as the new GAA President". The Score. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  4. "Aogan O'Fearghail elected new GAA president". Irish Independent. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  5. "Aogán Ó Fearghaíl elected as new GAA President". BBC Sport. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Liam O'Neill		 President of the Gaelic Athletic Association
2015-2018		 Succeeded by
John Horan

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.