Hogan looks a strong candidate for president

NOW that the All-Ireland championships are over and the winter is on its way the GAA begins to concentrate on internal matters.

Next year Annual Congress will elect an Uachtarán Tofa and this will generate a fair deal of politicing before the votes are cast and counted.

Traditionally, the runner-up from the previous campaign is elected and, if this trend continues, then Liam O’Neill will take the hot seat. The Laois man has a very impressive record in administration at all levels of the Association. After a stellar career in his native county, O’Neill has been equally steady and impressive as chairman of our biggest province, Leinster, and now chair of one the most important development committees in the GAA – Coaching and Games Development. For a while it seemed O’Neill might have no opposition as, while names were being touted, none stepped forward.