Ryan back for second stint as Waterford County Board chairman

Paddy Joe Ryan was elected as the new Waterford County Board chairman at last night’s annual convention in Dungarvan.

The Fourmilewater clubman defeated opponent Tim O’Byrne (Erin’s Own) by 102 votes to 61. He previously held the position for a decade between 1994 and 2004.

He succeeds Tom Cunningham in the role as the Stradbally man completed his five-year term.

In the contest for county treasurer, Ballyduff Upper representative John Jackson saw off incumbent Joe Cleary (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty) by 101 votes to 66. Jackson previously served as Waterford PRO.

Tommy Hennessy (Kill) fills the position of Central Council delegate following a keenly disputed three-way battle. Outgoing chairman Tom Cunningham was eliminated following the first count. Hennessy received 86 votes to exceed the quota and edge out Pat Flynn (Passage) on 78 votes.

In his final address to club delegates, Cunningham picked out the 2010 Munster final and the 2013 All-Ireland minor success as the highlights of his five-year term.

But he described proposals to play the club championships within the calendar year as impossible.

“It will mean less playing time for the ordinary club players,” said Cunningham.

“Clubs will be eliminated in May or June.”

Cunningham also looked back on the performances of the county teams.

“On the playing fields, our teams were very competitive but had no major success.”

Joe Cleary disclosed that the county board’s debt currently stands at €462,987. In April, the board had a €600,000 loan approved to repay over seven years. Secretary Timmy O’Keeffe explained that the board pays €73,000 on the loan every year.