The state of play: GAA stalwarts with 30 years at the coalface take stock

'On volunteerism, there is more of a view now that it’s about money and being recompensed for what you contribute. Free time isn’t being given up as it was before'

TAKING STOCK: Former Clare County Board Secretary Pat Fitzgerald. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Between them, they represented their counties as full-time secretaries for a combined total of 30 years. In Pat Fitzgerald’s case, he had held the role in Clare as a volunteer for 17 years previously. Prior to succeeding Tommy Barrett, Tim Floyd had been co-ordinator of the prominent Tipperary GAA draw for 20 years.

Within six months of each other this year, two fine servants retired from their positions, to be replaced by Deirdre Murphy and Murtagh Brennan. Here, in separate interviews, the Sixmilebridge and Newport men give some thoughts on their hopes and fears for the GAA and some memories of their time as secretary: