Aogán Ó Fearghail (pronounced [ˈiːɡaːn̪ˠ ˈfʲaɾˠɣiːlʲ]; born 1959) is an Irish sports administrator who was the 38th president of the Gaelic Athletic Association.[1]

Administrative career

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From Maudabawn, Drumgoon in County Cavan, Ó Fearghail was the first Cavan president in the 130-year history of the GAA.[2] He became the seventh man from Ulster to have acquired the role.[3]

Ó Fearghail was elected to the position at the 2014 GAA Congress in Dublin. Out of a total vote of 310, he received 170 votes, while Sheamus Howlin from Wexford came second with 83 and Seán Walsh of Kerry came third with 57.[4][5]

Ó Fearghail officially took over as GAA president on 28 February 2015 at the GAA's Annual Congress at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan,[1] and was succeeded by John Horan.[6]

Ó Fearghail worked his way from his native Drumgoon Éire Óg club, serving at all levels with club, county, province and at national level.[citation needed] As a GAA coach, he coached his club Drumgoon Eire Og under-12s for 25 years, and built the club from junior "also-rans" to one of Cavan's strongest club units.[citation needed] He played hurling with Erins Hope at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, and has also played handball at the highest levels.[citation needed]

Personal life

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Ó Fearghail is a member of the HSE,[7] and was previously a primary school principal at St Patrick's National School, Dernakesh, in his native parish of Drumgoon in Cavan, and also runs many businesses with his wife.[citation needed]

Together they managed the family shop and post office and jointly built and ran a Cultural Centre in County Cavan.[citation needed] Ó Fearghail has published local histories and is a contributor to historical seminars and heritage events. He was also for many years principal of a Gaeltacht summer college in Gortahork, County Donegal, where he spends much free time.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Aogán Ó Fearghail takes over as GAA President". Gaelic Athletic Association. 28 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  2. ^ "Aogan O'Fearghail elected new GAA president". Irish Independent. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Aogán Ó Fearghaíl elected as new GAA President". BBC Sport. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  4. ^ "Aogán Ó Fearghai elected". Gaa.ie. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  5. ^ "Cavan's Aogán Ó Fearghail elected as the new GAA President". The Score. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 1 March 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  6. ^ "John Horan reflects on his term as GAA President". Gaa.ie.
  7. ^ O'Regan, Eilish (22 January 2019). "Former GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail among new appointees to revamped HSE board". Independent.ie. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
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Sporting positions
Preceded by President of the Gaelic Athletic Association
2015–2018
Succeeded by