Donegal’s Daly pulls out of race for presidency

DONEGAL’S Tom Daly has withdrawn from the race to become the next GAA president, making it a two-horse race between Liam O’Neill and Sheamus Howlin to succeed Christy Cooney.

The former Ulster chairman yesterday released a statement via the Donegal County Board, citing family commitments as the primary reason for his decision.

“Having assessed the situation fully, I have decided not to contest the election,” confirmed Daly.

“In making this decision, I have had to balance both personal and professional commitments against the three-year, full-time and intense level of commitment which the GAA presidency entails.

“I deeply appreciate my nomination for this prestigious position, and the many offers of support which I have received from throughout the association. I sincerely wish the remaining candidates well and believe the association will be very well served, irrespective of the outcome of the election.”

Daly concludes 23 years as a member of the Ulster Council at this weekend’s convention, which includes 10 years as a provisional officer.

Ballyshannon native Daly is the second candidate to pull out from the race for the presidency after Tipperary’s Con Hogan last month.

Hogan explained that other candidates had “a stronger provincial and geographic support base than my own”.

Laois native and former Leinster chairman O’Neill was already the out-and-out favourite for the position before Daly’s exit after running a strong campaign when finishing second to Cooney at Congress in Sligo three years ago.

Current Leinster chief Howlin steps down from his position at this weekend’s provincial convention in Longford.

The Wexford man is considering his options at the moment but has been occupied with transferring his official powers to vice-chairman Martin Skelly.

Should Howlin follow the lead of Daly and Hogan and also withdraw from the election race, O’Neill would become the first uncontested candidate to run for the GAA presidency in the history of the organisation.