Oráid an gCathaoirleach Nua

Home Orid an gCathaoirleach Nua

January 15th, 2023

A Iar Uachtarin Cumann Luth Chleas Gael, a Iar Chathaoirligh is a cirde uilig, is mr an orirdombheith anseo anocht i blur lthair mar Cathaoirleach Chomhairle Laighean.

L brodil do mo Chlann, mo chlub, Teach Munna Camros, agus do mo chontae Loch Garman.

It is a great honour for me as your 36th Cathaoirleach to accept this office.

In doing so I become the sixth Wexford person to hold this role following in the foot-steps of five great Gaels Patrick Breen, Michal Kehoe, Jimmy Roche, Jim Berry and of course the late Sheamus Howlin.

I am delightedto have Jim Berry with us here today, and I only hope that I will represent Comhairle Laighean with the same distinction that Jim did.

I want to thank all the counties in the province for this once in a lifetime opportunity, and for placing their trust in me for the next three years.

On a personal level I wish to also thank my wife Laurena and my two children Tony and Clodagh for all their support to me over the years.

My initial introduction to Gaelic games came through my parents when we travelled to Croke Park in the summer of 76.

The first outing was to see Wexford play Kilkenny in the Leinster hurling final and, on that day, Wexford beat the Cats by seventeen points. As a nine-year-oldI thought that would always be the norm, but I soon grew up and discovered it was the norm for Kilkenny

Following Wexford as a chap was my introduction to our games, and little did I think this would have such an influence on my life and play such a major role in creating so many friendships and opportunities.

Glynn Barntown was the club where I played most of my life, I wish to acknowledge Bobby Goffs presence here today as a past chairman of the club,Bobby was great support to me in my playing days.

I moved to a neighbouring parish Taghmon Camross,a progressive club I which I served in many administrative roles and played away into my fortiesas a typical corner forward on the Junior B team and it wasnt a pretty picture.

I was lucky to have great support during my playing days. At school levels a great Longford man Mick Farrell, the late Sean Shiggins known as the chief in Wexford CBS, and latterly Francis Kavanagh and the late Seamus Keevans.

My first taste of administration was with some great Gaels in Taghmon Camross, the late Andy Doyle, Noel OGorman and many others. I served in many different roles within the club and it gave me a great education into the workings of the GAA.

Special thanks to all those in the Club for their support.

Like many clubs throughout the country, our club faces many challenges, but Im encouraged by the willingness of officials, parents, players, supporters and sponsors, that work tirelessly to achieve success at all levels.