Challenging start for new Uachtarán

On 28 February when Larry McCarthy addressed the GAA Congress in Croke Park as President Elect little did he, or anyone else for that matter, think that when he finally assumed office 12 months later, it would be via a camera to an audience spread all over the world.

In fact the formal handing over of the Presidential Medal was so different to usual. In a nice video released by the GAA, John Horan places the medal in ceremonial box in Croke Park, while fittingly in Gaelic Park in New York, Larry’s sons Conor and Shane pinned the medal on their fathers jacket.

Taking over the role is always a tough task, on this occasion it is probably the most challenging that any incoming President has ever faced.

Larry outlined this in his address, including the precarious financial position the association now finds itself in.

It is well documented that the monies generated by the inter county championships fund the workings of the association; obviously that was not there last year and it was Government funding that allowed the championships take place.

The first priority as he said was to get the games back up and running, and he appealed to the powers that be to allow our young players back into training especially now that the schools are re-opening.

Whether that will happen remains to be seen as we wait the possible easing of Level 5 restrictions in a few weeks time.

Larry may have been a surprise President, the first overseas one, but he is a very experienced and able official, from his early days in Thomond College - as it was known then, Bishopstown and Raheny GAA Clubs, before heading to the USA.

In New York he joined the Sligo Football Club and from there onto a varied administrative career holding high profile positions with the New York County Board including central council delegate, culminating in his elevation to the highest office in the GAA 12 months ago.

The new President has a good record in elections, even though based in New York for the last 40 years, where he is an associate professor of business studies; he topped the poll when elected trustee four years ago, giving him a place on the all powerful management committee.

In the run in to the election for President, he spent a lot of time in Ireland and could be seen at national league games throughout the country, in fact he was a very proud Corkman in O’Moore Park in Portlaoise on the afternoon Cork won the Under 20 All-Ireland Football final in spectacular fashion against Dublin.

Interestingly his declaration that he will include female members in all committees is seen as a progressive and welcome move and he backed it up with a number of high profile appointments to major positions with more to follow I understand.

For now though, his priority and that of his team in Croke Park will grapple with trying to formulate a fixture programme in the time frame allotted.

Outgoing president John Horan stated in one of his last interviews “that it is our intention to run a full national league and championship programme with the club season also to be catered for”.

Whether that can be achieved remains to be seen, given that counties will look for a four week run in period of training before playing competitively, so allowing for a return to training in early April, would mean a May start for the national leagues.

It is possible that the hurling league will be along the same lines as the football, with three games for each team? The problem with hurling is the numbers of teams which will mean repeat pairings in championship.

If such was the case it would mean an August date for the All-Ireland Finals, as this year unlike last year, there will be a second chance in the football championships.

Club championships would then commence after the finals, or earlier depending on when the county team is knocked out, for some counties that would be adequate time, but in Cork’s case with so many dual clubs, would we get it over the line before the weather and pitches deteriorate?

Is there even a case for letting the clubs go first, maybe after the national leagues are finished?

Hopefully all will be revealed in the coming weeks to give clarity to all concerned.

As for Larry, he will be keen to get started on the job in hand and leave a legacy as every president does.

Sean Kelly is credited with the opening of Croke Park, but for me his decision to extend the club championships to intermediate and junior was far more relevant, John Horan got the Tailteann Cup and split club/county season over the line. In three years time what will Larry’s be?

On the night of his election he finished by saying “I will see you all in Ned’s (a bar in New York), while last weekend he concluded his address with the words “I will see you all at a match soon”.

Hopefully we will.

Ned Cleary

Ned’s passing last week leaves a void in the Castlehaven GAA Club that will be hard to fill.

There is no doubt that the ‘Haven’s position as one of the top football clubs in the county is down to Ned’s influence in the parish since he arrived there many years ago.

They were then plying their trade in Junior B, that quickly changed and since winning their first senior title in 1989, they have been contenders and winners ever since.

Ned was also instrumental in spearheading off the field developments of their excellent facilities, which is testimony to his and that of many other’s work over the years.

He was one of nature’s gentlemen and wherever I met him I really enjoyed the chats about football and indeed all sports.

His legacy will live long in his adopted home - he was a very proud Mayoman - and when they eventually take the field in the county football final, there will be extra motivation to win it, not least from his three grandsons that will be on the team - Damien, Conor and Jack Cahalane.

On his passing I saw a quote by an elderly member of the community who said: “Ned Cleary is the greatest man to arrive in Castlehaven since our Lord.”

A perfect summation of a lovely man.

Sincere sympathy to his wife Kathleen, family and extended family along with his colleagues in Castlehaven GAA Club, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Other news

Congratulations to three members of the Cork Camogie team Hannah Looney, Orla Cronin and Chloe Sigerson on their selection on the Liberty Insurance All-Star team, all worthy recipients.

Best wishes to John Horgan who after 46 years is hanging up his pen, well not entirely, covering games for the Evening Echo. I have enjoyed John’s company at various venues all over the country for many years and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.

Take care and stay safe.