‘A year of challenge and gratitude’ for Mayo GAA chairman Tuohy

Mayo GAA stands on the threshold of enormous change in the county.

That was the opening message in the address by Mayo GAA County Board chairman Seamus Tuohy as the County Convention took place last Sunday in St John’s Centre in Knock.

The year had been a difficult one for the chairman, who was hospitalised after a bout of serious illness in July and August and Mr Tuohy admitted he was very uncertain whether he would return to his duties as County Board chairman.

“Those weeks were challenging, physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Mr Tuohy, who thanked the extraordinary kindness of his fellow County Board officers and the GAA world for their well-wishes through his difficult time.

“It reminded me that the GAA is not an organisation. It is a community; it is a family. The well-being of our volunteers must always come first. Our Association is built entirely on the generosity of people who give their time freely. Without volunteers, nothing happens.” 

Mr Tuohy, who returned to his role in September, said ‘transformation steps’ have been taken for Mayo GAA in 2025, including the advertisement of a full-time chief executive officer, the astro pitch at Mulvey Park and secured approval to the planning phase of the long-awaited Mayo GAA Centre of Excellence, which is to be located in Bohola, adding that it will ‘shape the direction of Mayo GAA for decades to come.’ 

“If 2025 is remembered for one moment, let it be this: Mayo GAA take the long-awaited step towards establishing a permanent Centre of Excellence.

The chairman said that for years, Mayo teams were training at multiple locations and was at a ‘competitive disadvantage’ but now there will be a home for football, hurling, LGFA and camogie, serving every age group from under-14 to senior.

“This isn’t just a training facility; it’s a legacy project. It will stand long after all of us are gone, and it will shape the next century of Mayo Gaelic games,” added Mr Tuohy, who stressed that the County Board are committed to securing funding for the facility from Government programmes, GAA grants, corporate partnerships, naming rights and the global Mayo diaspora.

My Tuohy said another critical infrastructure piece will be the all-weather pitch at Mulvey Park.

“An astro provides year-round reliability. It strengthens the entire pathway from under-14 to senior.” The chairman added that the project is on schedule to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

Mr Tuohy added that the historic Connacht v Munster rugby tie in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park was more than a game, but a statement, and opened the county to a wider sporting audience.

“It showcased our facilities; it demonstrated our professionalism. It allowed us to learn from elite sporting organisations. We remain proudly amateur, but we can always learn adapt and grow from the highest professional standards.” On the plans to appoint a full-time CEO, Mr Tuohy said the complexity and scale of Mayo GAA now requires professional leadership.

“It will reduce the workload on volunteers, provide day-to-day leadership, strengthen governance and accountability, drive commercial and sponsorship growth, improve organisational consistency and serve clubs more effectively.” On the departure on Kevin McStay as Mayo senior football manager, Mr Tuohy, who was hospitalised at the time, said he provided guidance when he could but acknowledged that ‘some decisions disappointed me’ and, in his view, were ‘not the best outcomes for Mayo GAA or for the individuals involved.’ 

“Leadership requires us to deal with situations as they arise, and to make decisions, sometimes difficult ones, with the long-term interest of the county in mind.” He thanked McStay for his dignity, passion and professionalism throughout his three-year tenure and wished new manager Andy Moran all the best for 2026 along with the new under-20 and minor management teams.

“The appointment of Andy Moran has brought renewed energy, excitement and optimism. Together, with Colm Boyle, Paddy Tally and the strong coaching team, it already has begun laying strong foundations.

“They deserve time, space and complete support from us all.” On hurling, Mr Tuohy said 2025 was an exceptional year, with the appointment of Cian O’Toole as Games Promotion Officer ‘a breath of fresh air’. However, he was concerned with the lack of candidates forthcoming to succeed hurling chairman Seán Ó Raghallaigh, secretary Trevor Kelly and Communications Officer Ann McGahon who have all stepped down from their positions, as well as the inability to fill several hurling officers post at underage level throughout the year.

“We have made great strides in recent years, grown the number of the club from four to ten but the progress will not be sustainable unless we fill these key positions,” said Mr Tuohy, who plans to meet hurling clubs in the new year to address the situation.

Concluding, Mr Tuohy said the future of Mayo GAA is bright. “2026 will have it’s challenges but will also bring opportunity, and with unity, professionalism, ambition and belief, we can achieve extraordinary things.”