Presidency of Liam O’Neill defined by vision and achievements

"Women and children first". No, Liam O’Neill wasn’t on a Titanic lifeboat but as he bids adieu to the presidency his efforts for the often-overlooked denominations of the GAA may be the defining aspects of his three years, not just the reviews of football and hurling and the arrival of Sky Sports, says John Fogarty.

Three years ago, the role of the GAA president couldn’t have been more vague. Just where the parameters of the office’s powers ended and those of the director general began nobody knew. Not even the incumbents if they are honest.

Liam O’Neill told this newspaper last month of the deal he made with Páraic Duffy upon taking office. “My agreement with Páraic is that anything that stretches beyond three years is his business, such as negotiations with public bodies etc. Anything that goes beyond my time. The leadership role of the president is now defined, he’s front of house and that leaves the CEO the chance to do his work.”