Behind new GAA president is a gale of goodwill. In front of him, some stiff headwinds

Jarlath Burns has been a regular presence in and around GAA HQ these past few months, determined to hit the ground running.

UACHTARAN TOFA: Newly elected GAA president Jarlath Burns congratulated on his election by sons Jarlath Og Burns and Conall. Pic: Morgan Treacy, Inpho

A REGULAR at Congress since the early 2000s soon after his retirement from inter-county football, it may seem strange to suggest Jarlath Burns is scarcely a conventional GAA president-elect.

He has served on a selection of national committees from playing rules to match presentation to leading the 125th anniversary celebrations to the GAA’s own players’ union.