Three-way race for top Mayo GAA job

There will be a three-way battle for the position of vice-chairperson of Mayo GAA County Board at next month’s county convention in Ballina.

The deadline for nominations for all positions has passed with that of vice-chair the only role that will be contested.

The position is becoming vacant as a result of Con Moynihan’s five-year tenure reaching an end.

Former Mayo GAA secretary Dermot Butler (Crossmolina) is seeking a return to the county executive committee but will face competition for the vice-chairperson’s position from current Bord na Óg chairperson Charlie Lambert (Westport) and Michael Diskin (Castlebar). Diskin vacates the assistant treasurer’s role, also on the five-year rule, and the sole nominee to replace him is Sinead McLoughlin (Knockmore) who is well-known for her role in managing Mayo GAA gates at both club and county level.

The aforementioned Con Moynihan (Ballaghaderreen) is unopposed in his nomination to become Central Council delegate, a role held until this year by Paddy McNicholas.

There will be no change to most of the other key positions as Seamus Tuohy (Breaffy) continues as chairperson, Ronan Kirrane (Davitts) and Brian O’Malley (The Neale) remain as secretary and assistant secretary respectively, Valerie Murphy (Charlestown Sarsfields) stays as treasurer and John Walker (Cill Chomáin) keeps his role as PRO.

There will be a new Mayo GAA coaching officer however, with Seamus Smyth (Ballycastle) the sole nominee to fill a position vacated by Declan O’Reilly (Castlebar Mitchels). Smyth, a former Mayo minor and Knockmore senior footballer, has in more recent years served as chairman of underage amalgamation Naomh Padraig.

The incumbents, Liam Moffatt (Crossmolina) and Paul Cunnane (Davitts), are the only nominations for Connacht Council delegates while Daithí Gallagher will remain as cultural officer.

The following positions will be filled by appointment: planning and training officer, safety officer, health and well-being officer, children’s officer, demographics officer and hurling chairperson.

JP Lambe (Garrymore) will remain as Mayo GAA President.

This year’s county convention is being hosted by the North Mayo GAA Board at the Great National Hotel, Ballina, on Sunday, December 8.