Taoiseach leads tributes for outgoing GAA president

OUTGOING President Sean Kelly was last night honoured in Dublin for his inspired leadership of the GAA over the last three years.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern led the tributes, saying he had steered the association through a time of “significant change and opportunity.”

Mr Ahern was the guest of honour at a function in the Westbury Hotel in Dublin where, with Vodafone Ireland’s CEO Teresa Elder, he presented Mr Kelly with a special merit award to mark the success of his term as GAA president.

According to the Taoiseach, it marked a period when the foundations had been laid for the future direction of the GAA.

“To my mind, that has been the huge strength of Seán Kelly’s leadership over the past three years. Seán has been an agent of change for the GAA, a leader who, with determination, assurance and focus, has led the association to a new and exciting place in its long sporting heritage.’’

The first ever Kerryman to be elected president, his administrative career began in 1975, at the age of just 23, when he was elected East Kerry Bord na nOg chairman. He served as County Board vice-chairman and chairman before taking over as Munster chairman.

Guests at the function included members of Mr Kelly’s family, including his wife Juliette, incoming president Nickey Brennan and director-general Liam Mulvihill.

Mr Kelly has yet to make a decision on his future. While there has been talk of him entering politics or pursuing a business career, he says that the “classroom beckons.” Nevertheless, he admits that he’s unsure if he will return to his teaching job in St Brendan’s College in Killarney.

“At this point I have nothing decided. All that I’ll say is that I have an open mind on everything,’’ he said.

* His presentation consisted of a specially commissioned Jarlath Daly sculpture based on the All-Stars theme.