Presidency issue needs clarification

PEOPLE who live abroad and give so much of their time to promote our games, appreciate any recognition they get.

The playing of the inter-provincial football final in Ruislip last week was greatly appreciated by Irish exiles in Britain. Sponsor Martin Donnelly has many stories to tell illustrating that.

Those overseas often feel cut off from the real action and avail of any opportunity to be part of the GAA.

One of their difficulties is that they, understandably, can’t sit on as many committees or executive bodies as those at home. Nevertheless, we have seen in recent times, representatives from overseas gain membership of Central Council, management and select committees.

Be that as it may, they have rarely gone for the high office in the GAA and have yet to be successful. The colourful John Kerry O’Donnell contested the presidency of the GAA almost 30 years ago but didn’t get enough support.

The closest an overseas member got to being elected to high office in recent years was when John Leacy (Laois and London) was beaten by one vote for GAA trustee in 2006. He contested again last year but with another candidate from Britain John Gormley, also in the field, he came close again but wasn’t successful.

Up until now, it would have be impossible for an overseas member to serve as president but with the Uachtarán now being a full-time job, there is no reason why that person has to be resident in Ireland.

The fact that the Uachtarán is now a full-time remunerated job is a relatively new development in the GAA and like many developments in the GAA, there are no clear guidelines written regarding remuneration, etc.

Sean Fogarty, formerly a successful and popular chairman of Tipperary County Board and Munster Council, contested the presidency two years ago. Now as Sean is retired, one can assume that he wouldn’t qualify for any remuneration if he had been elected. On the other hand if, for instance, one of the heads of the banking world were elected GAA president, the GAA might as things stand, have to pay a hefty salary and possibly a bonus.

It is quite obvious that this is not a desirable situation.

The GAA will need to clarify the question of the full-time Uachtarán. This would make it much easier for an overseas member to plan for and contest the office.

* PS: Next week I will be wrapping up this column for 2009 with some highlights of the year.