This article is from page 70 of the 2008-01-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 70 JPG
A NEW era for Clare GAA was ush- ered in at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis last Saturday as a new county
board executive was elected, while outgoing voluntary secretary Pat Fit- zgerald officially assumed the role in a full-time capacity.
Before a packed attendance, new
chairman Michael O’Neill looked to the future, while paying tribute to those who have gone before him. He
was formally proposed for the top job in Clare GAA by his Ballyea club-
mate Tom McInerney and seconded by Clondegad’s Seamus O’Reilly.
“We face major challenges ahead,” said O’Neill, “but we face them with energy and enthusiasm and I will not be found wanting when it comes to giving the level of leadership that is required for my position,’ he added.
“The best way forward is to draw up a Strategic plan that embraces all aspects of the GAA structures within the county. This plan will take a lit- tle time but it is vital to the future workings of the association within the county.
“Everything I have mentioned can only be achieved by inclusiveness. This means everyone having an input from grassroots level to county board and national level. Working together we can achieve our goals and I will no stone unturned in our quest for success on and off the field of play,” added O’Neill.
His vice-chairman for 2008 will be Lissycasey’s Johnny Hill — the out- going Development Officer defeated Tony O’Brien of Smith O’Briens by 99 votes to 69. In the two contests for positions on the executive, Ger Hickey from Feakle defeated Clare- castle’s Martin Reynolds by 131 to 34, while Corofin’s Tom Burke beat Domhnall O Loinsigh by 127 to 41 in the contest for Oifigeach Gaeilge. Burke, along with Michael O’Connor (Crusheen) and Ger Hickey make up the three new members of the county board executive for 2008.