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Páraic Ó Dufaigh - Monaghan - 2008 - Present
Páraic Duffy became the 18th Director General of the Association on February 1 2008 having served in a variety of roles within the Association before his eventual elevation to his current position.
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Páraic Ó Dufaigh - Monaghan - 2008 - Present
Páraic Duffy became the 18th Director General of the Association on February 1 2008 having served in a variety of roles within the Association before his eventual elevation to his current position.

The Castleblaney native, whose father Michael was also a prominent GAA administrator has served at every level of the Association. A former Principal of St. Macartans College in Monaghan, he served as Chairman of the Monaghan County Board, and chaired many central GAA Committees before his appointment, including the National Audit Committee (2006), the Coaching & Games Development Committee (2003 -2006) and the Games Administration Committee (2000 – 2003).

Currently a member of the Scotstown GAA Club, Paraic’s playing club was Castleblaney Faughs, with whom he also gained his first administrative experience in the GAA. He was a selector on the successful Monaghan senior football team from 1983 to 1987 and was the International Rules Tour Manager in Australia in 2001 as well as on two Junior Tours. He has been involved with coaching at underage at all levels and holds a Club Coach Level One Award.

A graduate of the University of Ulster and UCD, Mr Duffy’s work as Player Welfare Manager in Croke Park facilitated the publishing of key reports on Player Burnout (he was Secretary of the Player Burnout Task Force) and the playing of Club Fixtures, as well as initiatives relevant to medical issues within the Association, through his work with the Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee.

Mr Duffy becomes only the fourth man to hold the top administrative post in the GAA since 1929. He is the first Ulster man to be appointed to the position. One of his earliest tasks was to assist overseeing the roll out of The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015 and his term is a seven year one.
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Liam Ó Maolmhichíl - Longford - 1979 - 2007
Longford native Liam Mulvihill served as the Association’s Ard Stiúrthóir for 29 years – a term that was only second in longevity to that of Pádraic Ó Caoimh.
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Liam Ó Maolmhichíl - Longford - 1979 - 2007
Longford native Liam Mulvihill served as the Association’s Ard Stiúrthóir for 29 years – a term that was only second in longevity to that of Pádraic Ó Caoimh.

Over the course of what was a period of considerable change, many high profile rule changes were made to the Association’s Official Guide including the abolition of Rule 21, which precluded members of the security forces in the north from membership of the Association, and the temporary relaxation of Rule 42 in respect of Croke Park, which led to the staging of International Rugby and Soccer Internationals at the venue while the Lansdowne Road grounds were being renovated.

In addition to this, the GAA embraced a significant growth in the areas of live television and sponsorship under Mulvihill’s tutelage and competition structures were revamped at inter-county level.

Most significantly Croke Park was re-developed during his time as Ard Stiúrthóir and the stadium he left behind was barely recognisable to the one that welcomed him on his arrival in 1979.

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Seán Ó Síocháin - Cork - 1964 - 1979
Sean O Síocháin was born on 24 March 1914 at Cill na Marta, West Cork. He played hurling and football for Macroom and won a Cork senior Championship medal in 1931. He played for the Cork senior football team and Munster in the Railway Cup.
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Seán Ó Síocháin - Cork - 1964 - 1979
Sean O Síocháin was born on 24 March 1914 at Cill na Marta, West Cork. He played hurling and football for Macroom and won a Cork senior Championship medal in 1931. He played for the Cork senior football team and Munster in the Railway Cup.

As a teacher he moved to Dublin in 1935 and started playing with the Clann na Gael Club, winning a Dublin Senior Championship medal in 1936. He captained Dublin in the Leinster Championship but declared for Cork again in 1938. He continued playing with Cork until his playing retirement in 1941. He was a ballad singer of note, touring the United States 4 times.

Central Council, in April 1946, decided to employ a Clerical Officer owing to the large volume of work being undertaken by the GAA. This position was advertised in all the major newspapers and there were a total of 10 applicants, seven of whom attended the compulsory examination. In August 1946 Sean O Síocháin was appointed to the post on the understanding that ‘should the position of General Secretary at any time become vacant, it must be clearly understood that this new appointment does not carry with it any promise or guarantee…that the person appointed as Clerk would automatically become General Secretary’.

When the decision was taken to host the 1947 Polo Grounds Final in New York, Padraig O’Caoimh travelled to New York. It was agreed that in O’Caoimh’s absence O Síocháin ‘would deal with any matters that arise during the absence of the Secretary’.

When O’Caoimh passed away it was decided that the post of General Secretary would not be advertised, but that each member of the Ard-Chomhairle would nominate, in confidence, their candidate to the President, Alf Murray. The President would then speak to the nominees and find out if they were agreeable to have their names placed before the Council. At a Special meeting of the Central Council, held on the 28th of August 1964, the six nominated candidates addressed the Central Council. O Síocháin was then informed that he was the chosen candidate.

During his tenure O Síocháin steered the GAA through key moments and events including the Association’s celebration of the 1916 Rising; the establishment of a dedicated Hurling Board (An Lar Coiste Iomána) to revive and promote hurling; the building of an office block on Jones Road which was leased out-the funds of which were used for national GAA projects; the publication and ratification of the Commission on the activities of the GAA (McNamee Report), which radically altered the administrative structures of the Association and the outbreak of political violence in the Six Counties which directly affected the GAA including the occupation of Casement Park, Crossmaglen and the loyalist murders of GAA members.

O Síocháin retired in 1979, and was replaced by Liam Mulvihill, but O Síocháin continued to work for the GAA-he was appointed the Director of Fund Raising for the new Ceann Arus, a ole he maintained until the building was completed in 1982.

O Síocháin passed away on 2 February 1997.
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Padraic Ó Caoimh - Cork - 1929 - 1964
A native of Roscommon, but associated with GAA for many years in Cork. Secretary of Cork county committee 10 years. Prominent player and referee in the 1920s.
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Padraic Ó Caoimh - Cork - 1929 - 1964
A native of Roscommon, but associated with GAA for many years in Cork. Secretary of Cork county committee 10 years. Prominent player and referee in the 1920s.

Made a lasting impact on GAA from appointment in 1929, first official to put GAA on sound financial basis. Principal organiser of GAA golden jubilee in 1934. Supervised erection of Cusack Stand (1937), transfer of All-Ireland football final to New York (1947) and erection of new Hogan Stand (1959).

Took part in War of Independence, strong supporter of Irish language and industry.
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Luke O'Toole - Wicklow - 1901 - 1929
A native of Wicklow, was prominent from mid 1890s in Dublin GAA affairs and a member of the Hibernian club. One of group responsible for revival of GAA in 1901 with his own election as secretary.
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Luke O'Toole - Wicklow - 1901 - 1929
A native of Wicklow, was prominent from mid 1890s in Dublin GAA affairs and a member of the Hibernian club. One of group responsible for revival of GAA in 1901 with his own election as secretary.

Mainly responsible for switching of Congress to Dublin. Present at foundation of Irish Volunteers, 1913, played major role in purchase of Croke Park site, 1913, present at Croke Park on Bloody Sunday, 1920.

Prominently involved in the Tailteann Games of 1924 and 1928.
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Frank B. Dineen - Limerick - 1898 - 1901
A native of Ballylanders Co Limerick, one of Munster's most promising athletes of the early 1880s.
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Frank B. Dineen - Limerick - 1898 - 1901
A native of Ballylanders Co Limerick, one of Munster's most promising athletes of the early 1880s.

The only person to hold both posts of president and Secretary of GAA. As Secretary tried to restore financial stability when the Association was threatened with bankruptcy. Bought Croke Park site out of own pocket in 1908 for £3,250. Writer of Gaelic column in influential weekly 'Sport' for many years.

Prominent in Land League and Fenian movements, became supporter of John Redmond after turn of century.
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Richard T.C. Blake - Meath - 1895 - 1898
A native of Meath, played major part in revival of GAA in Meath after Parnell Split. A prominent referee, who advocated tighter rules for football to make it more scientific.
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Richard T.C. Blake - Meath - 1895 - 1898
A native of Meath, played major part in revival of GAA in Meath after Parnell Split. A prominent referee, who advocated tighter rules for football to make it more scientific.

A controversial figure, whose anti-Fenian views and opposition to use of political influence in GAA resulted in much hostility to him, especially when he favoured permitting rugby players and policemen to join the GAA and his dismissal as secretary. He answered charges of incompetence leveled by his opponents in a booklet he published in 1900.
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David Walsh - Clare - 1894 - 1895
A native of Cork, became secretary at the 1895 convention, when Tobin declined to go forward after having served three years.
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David Walsh - Clare - 1894 - 1895
A native of Cork, became secretary at the 1895 convention, when Tobin declined to go forward after having served three years.

A member of a group from Cork who were prominent on the Central Council during the 1890s, others being Michael Deering (see Presidents), Thomas Dooley and Thomas Irwin.
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Patrick Tobin - Dublin - 1891 - 1894
A native of Dublin, was involved in Dublin GAA affairs from 1886.
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Patrick Tobin - Dublin - 1891 - 1894
A native of Dublin, was involved in Dublin GAA affairs from 1886.

Founder and secretary of Brian Boru club, a prominent hurler with Brian Boru's and Faughs, and also an athlete who specialised in weight events. Secretary of Dublin county committee from 1888 until elected secretary of GAA in April 1891.
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Maurice Moynihan - Kerry - 1890 - 1892
A native of Tralee, Co. Kerry, where he was a prominent member of the John Mitchel club.
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Maurice Moynihan - Kerry - 1890 - 1892
A native of Tralee, Co. Kerry, where he was a prominent member of the John Mitchel club.

Mainly responsible for the Organisation of the GAA in Kerry in the late 1880s. A Fenian, Moynihan was re-elected secretary at the 1891 convention but resigned his post in October 1891, having taken up residence in Cork.
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P.R. Cleary - Limerick - 1889 - 1890
A native of Lagganstown, in the parish of New Inn, Co. Tipperary.
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P.R. Cleary - Limerick - 1889 - 1890
A native of Lagganstown, in the parish of New Inn, Co. Tipperary.

His date of birth was 14th of March 1857 and at the time of his election in 1889 he was a school master in Caherconlish. He died in Tipperary in 1890.
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William Prendergast - Tipperary - 1888 - 1889
A native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary a good hurler who accompanied the team of hurlers and athletes on the American Invasion team of 1888 as both official and player.
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William Prendergast - Tipperary - 1888 - 1889
A native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary a good hurler who accompanied the team of hurlers and athletes on the American Invasion team of 1888 as both official and player.

In 1892 he emigrated to the U.S., joining the New York police force and playing a prominent part in the 1900s in the formation of the New York branch of the GAA and in the acquisition and development of Celtic Park, New York.
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James Moore - Louth - 1887 - 1888
Bio to follow soon.
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James Moore - Louth - 1887 - 1888
Bio to follow soon.
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Timothy O'Riordan - Cork - 1885 - 1889
A native of Tralee, Co. Kerry and journalist with the Kerry Sentinel, 'Daily Herald, Cork Examiner the Freeman's Journal, exclusively covering meetings for Parnell's party.
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Timothy O'Riordan - Cork - 1885 - 1889
A native of Tralee, Co. Kerry and journalist with the Kerry Sentinel, 'Daily Herald, Cork Examiner the Freeman's Journal, exclusively covering meetings for Parnell's party.

Not apparently Fenian, he was twice re-elected secretary (1887 and 1888) and during the period of Fenian dominance of the GAA. Died 1899.
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J.B. O'Reilly - Dublin - 1885 - 1887
An employee of Clery's drapery store, Dublin, prominent in Young Ireland Society in Dublin in the mid1880s.
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J.B. O'Reilly - Dublin - 1885 - 1887
An employee of Clery's drapery store, Dublin, prominent in Young Ireland Society in Dublin in the mid1880s.

A Fenian, who worked closely with JK Bracken (a founder of the GAA) and PT Hoctor (a vice-president) to increase Fenian influence in the Association in 1886-1887. Served as secretary for little more than a year.
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John Wyse Power - Kildare - 1884 - 1887
A native of Co. Waterford and a fluent Irish speaker. A civil servant journalist, successively on Leinster Leader (Naas), Freeman's Journal and Daily Independent (Dublin).
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John Wyse Power - Kildare - 1884 - 1887
A native of Co. Waterford and a fluent Irish speaker. A civil servant journalist, successively on Leinster Leader (Naas), Freeman's Journal and Daily Independent (Dublin).

His principal interest lay in athletics, was an official GAA handicapper for many years. Never optimistic about GAA's chance of success, first chairman of Dublin county committee, 188
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John McKay - Cork - 1884 - 1885
A Belfast born journalist who spent much of his life on the staff of the Cork Examiner, later worked on Dublin and London papers.
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John McKay - Cork - 1884 - 1885
A Belfast born journalist who spent much of his life on the staff of the Cork Examiner, later worked on Dublin and London papers.

Mainly interested in athletics, responsible for prominence given to early GAA in Cork Examiner Resigned as secretary at start of Fenian infiltration, but continued to act as an athletics official for 30 years after resignation.
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Michael Cusack - Clare - 1884 - 1885
From Carron, Co. Clare, a native Irish speaker. Became a national teacher, then a secondary teacher, taught in Clare' Galway, Down, Kildare, Kilkenny, Dublin.
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Michael Cusack - Clare - 1884 - 1885
From Carron, Co. Clare, a native Irish speaker. Became a national teacher, then a secondary teacher, taught in Clare' Galway, Down, Kildare, Kilkenny, Dublin.

Proprietor of Cusack's Academy, Dublin from 1877. Involved in athletics in 1870s and in Irish language movement in 1880s, played rugby & cricket in Dublin. Campaigned for body to get control of athletics for nationalists, later adding revival of hurling as second aim. Got support of Maurice Davin (see Presidents) in mid-1884, and of leading Home Rule figures. Founded GAA in Thurles, Nov. 1, 1884.

Although removed as Secretary in 1886, remained active in GAA for rest of life.
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Roscommon play Galway this Sunday in the Connacht Senior Football Championship. Who will win?

General Secretaries

Páraic Ó Dufaigh - Monaghan - 2008 - Present

Páraic Ó Dufaigh - Monaghan - 2008 - Present

Liam Ó Maolmhichíl - Longford - 1979 - 2007

Liam Ó Maolmhichíl - Longford - 1979 - 2007

Seán Ó Síocháin - Cork - 1964 - 1979

Seán Ó Síocháin - Cork - 1964 - 1979

Padraic Ó Caoimh - Cork - 1929 - 1964

Padraic Ó Caoimh - Cork - 1929 - 1964

Luke O'Toole - Wicklow - 1901 - 1929

Luke O'Toole - Wicklow - 1901 - 1929

Frank B. Dineen - Limerick - 1898 - 1901

Frank B. Dineen - Limerick - 1898 - 1901

Richard T.C. Blake - Meath - 1895 - 1898

Richard T.C. Blake - Meath - 1895 - 1898

David Walsh - Clare - 1894 - 1895

David Walsh - Clare - 1894 - 1895

Patrick Tobin - Dublin - 1891 - 1894

Patrick Tobin - Dublin - 1891 - 1894

Maurice Moynihan - Kerry - 1890 - 1892

Maurice Moynihan - Kerry - 1890 - 1892

P.R. Cleary - Limerick - 1889 - 1890

P.R. Cleary - Limerick - 1889 - 1890

William Prendergast - Tipperary - 1888 - 1889

William Prendergast - Tipperary - 1888 - 1889

James Moore - Louth - 1887 - 1888

James Moore - Louth - 1887 - 1888

Timothy O'Riordan - Cork - 1885 - 1889

Timothy O'Riordan - Cork - 1885 - 1889

J.B. O'Reilly - Dublin - 1885 - 1887

J.B. O'Reilly - Dublin - 1885 - 1887

John Wyse Power - Kildare - 1884 - 1887

John Wyse Power - Kildare - 1884 - 1887

John McKay - Cork - 1884 - 1885

John McKay - Cork - 1884 - 1885

Michael Cusack - Clare - 1884 - 1885

Michael Cusack - Clare - 1884 - 1885

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