The Dugout at the Club Summit: Meet Our Speakers
In attendance during the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association’s official launch of the inaugural Club Summit, delivered by Amazon.ie, are, from left, former Limerick Hurler Declan Hannon, GAA Planning and Training Committee Chairperson David Denieffe, Amazon Country Manager for Ireland Alison Dunn, former Mayo footballer and current Mayo manager Diane O'Hora and former Tyrone footballer Peter Canavan at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
From parish pitches to packed stadiums, Gaelic games are shaped by individuals who give far more than they ever take. The panellists gathered for The Club Summit on 7 February in Croke Park represent the best of that tradition.
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Declan Hannon (Adare, Limerick)
Operations Director, Adare Global Personnel Solutions
A defining leader of Limerick’s modern hurling era, Declan Hannon captained his county to five All‑Ireland titles during a distinguished 15‑year career, earning three All‑Stars before retiring in 2025.
Conor McManus (Clontibret O’Neills, Monaghan)
Estate Agent & Director, Sherry FitzGerald
One of Ulster’s outstanding forwards, Conor McManus delivered nearly two decades of exceptional service to Monaghan, securing two Ulster titles and three All‑Stars.
Peter Canavan (Errigal Ciarán, Tyrone)
Teacher & Owner, Canavan’s Hotel
Widely regarded as one of Gaelic football’s greatest players, Peter Canavan won six All‑Stars and led Tyrone to their first All‑Ireland title in 2003.
Liam Sheedy (Portroe, Tipperary)
Head of Leadership Development, The Consello Group
A transformative Tipperary manager, Liam Sheedy guided the county to All‑Ireland success in 2010 and 2019 and has contributed significantly to national sporting leadership.
Denise Masterson (Na Fianna, Dublin)
Teacher
As Dublin captain in 2010, Denise Masterson became the first player from the county to lift the Brendan Martin Cup, marking a breakthrough in the County’s development.
Diane O’Hora (Charlestown, Mayo)
Medical Devices Sales
A three‑time All‑Ireland champion, Diane O’Hora captained Mayo to their first senior title in 1999 and now brings her experience to management, taking over as Mayo senior manager in 2026.
Shane Curley (Glinsk, Galway)
General Manager in Water Supply for Glinsk-Creggs GWS
Recognised for his calm and authoritative refereeing, Shane Curley has officiated major Ladies Gaelic Football fixtures including the 2023 Senior Final.
Niamh McGrath (Sarsfields, Galway)
Solicitor
An All‑Ireland winner with Galway in 2013 and All‑Star recipient, Niamh McGrath also captained Sarsfields to the All‑Ireland Senior Club title in 2020.
Ursula Jacob (Oulart–The Ballagh, Wexford)
Staff Officer, Tusla
A key figure in Wexford’s golden era, Ursula Jacob won four All‑Ireland senior medals and four All‑Stars, alongside two All‑Ireland club titles.
Cahair O’Kane (Pádraig Pearse’s Kilrea, Derry)
Sports Journalist, The Irish News
Cahair O’Kane is a respected journalist whose work brings national focus to the people and communities at the heart of Gaelic games.
Denis Walsh (St Finbarr’s, Cork)
Sports Writer & Author, The Irish Times
A leading chronicler of Gaelic games, Denis Walsh is the author of Hurling: The Revolution Years and writes with insight shaped by decades of experience.
Grab your last chance to buy tickets at gaa.ie/clubsummit