Cooney joins Brennan in race for GAA top job
Cooney, a native of Youghal, Co. Cork and an executive with FÁS, went public yesterday in response to media speculation.
He confirmed in a statement that he had been approached about standing in the last election, when Sean Kelly was successful. At the time, he had finished his term as chairman of the Munster Council.
"I felt he deserved the support of everybody in the province," said Cooney, who succeeded him in Munster.
"Having been a committed supporter of the aims and ideals of the Association ever since I represented my club, Youghal, on the East Cork Board and then Cork County Board, I was honoured in time to be elected vice-chairman and then chairman, subsequently holding the same positions on the Munster Council," the statement added.
"I have recently completed my three-year term as chairman of the Munster Council.
"The time is now opportune for me to be a candidate for the highest office in the Association. It's not a decision I have taken lightly, but based on the support and encouragement I have received in my province and beyond, and having consulted with my family, I have decided to allow my name to go forward."
His late father Paddy preceded him as Youghal delegate to the county board, distinguishing himself as a member of several All-Ireland winning teams at underage level in the early '70s. His brother Daithi was a goalkeeper at county minor and senior level.
So far, Brennan and Cooney are the only candidates to officially declare their intentions and while there are likely to be others, it's believed one of the two will be the next president.
Padraic Joyce could be an injury doubt for Galway in Sunday's NFL final against Kerry. Fears that he broke a toe in last Sunday's semi-final replay win over Tyrone were allayed when an x-ray merely revealed severe bruising.
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