Walsh joins GAA presidential race

Former Kerry and Munster Council chairman Seán Walsh has joined the GAA Presidential race.

Walsh last night received the unanimous support of Kerry delegates as he officially began his campaign to succeed Liam O’Neill at the helm.

Kingdom chairman Patrick O’Sullivan said the Moyvane man’s achievements at club, county and provincial level made him an ideal candidate to lead the association.

O’Sullivan said: “Seán Walsh has all of the experience as a player and administrator with his club, Moyvane, to keep his focus firmly on the GAA club which is the most fundamental and important unit of the association. As Kerry county board development officer and later as chairman, his experiences as a player and club administrator inspired his commitment to the games, the players and the clubs.

“As Munster Council chairman he continued that commitment to the games, the players and the clubs through putting a strong emphasis on club development projects and on coaching and games development.”

As chairman, Walsh oversaw a golden spell in Kerry football when the county contested six All-Irelands, winning four.

Cavan’s Aogán Ó Feargail last week had his candidacy backed by Ulster GAA chiefs while former Leinster Council chairman Sheamus Howlin is also believed to be interested in the role.

The election will take place at April’s annual congress with the successful candidate taking the role in 2015.