Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan pictured at GAA Congress. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian Murphy
Sligo’s John Murphy and Cork’s Tracey Kennedy were elected as Representatives of Congress on the opening night of the GAA’s annual convention.
Sligo native Murphy is the current chairperson of the Connacht Council and defeated Cavan’s Tom Reilly by 147 votes to 118.
Tracey Kennedy is a former chairperson of the Cork county board, and she defeated New York’s Joan Henchy by 140 votes to 125.
The other main business of the opening day of GAA Congress in Newry was the consideration of the annual report of Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan, who also gave a presentation updating delegates on the integration process and the pathway to full integration of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Associations by 2027. Director of Finance Ger Mulryan took delegates through the Association’s accounts.
Former Offaly hurler Rory Hanniffy was approved to continue as secretary of the Disputes Resolution Authority.
Prior to that, a series of workshops were held in the Canal Court Hotel.
The agenda for Saturday’s session will be comprised of 26 motions which are up for consideration. However, the day will be dominated by the departure of Larry McCarthy as Uachtarán and followed by the inaugural address of Uachtarán nua, Jarlath Burns.