Michael McGowan

Michael McGowan talks about a lifetime’s involvement with the GAA at all levels. A Leitrim native, there was not a lot of organised club activity as he was growing up., but when the Melvin Gaels club was formed he quickly became involved, and was soon playing with his county as well as with his university in Cork. As a teacher he lived in different parts of the country - and in England for a time - and wherever he went he involved himself in local GAA activities. He managed various school, club and county teams before trying his hand at administration. During this time he worked to improve the GAA structures in Leitrim, which included working to improve the prevalence of Scór and of the Irish language. Michael also spent some time as a referees tutor. His enthusiasm earned him many accolades as he worked relentlessly to ensure that the Association - which to him was much more than a sporting body - continued to thrive and explore new possibilities.