New Limerick GAA chairman Seamus McNamara vows to keep the county 'going in one direction'

NEWLY elected Limerick GAA chairman Seamus McNamara has vowed to keep the county "going in the one direction".

"It is great to see that we are all going in the one direction and long may this continue. I will do everything to the best of my ability, with my fellow officers, to make sure that we continue to strive for the one goal – the green and white of Limerick that we are all so proud of," said McNamara in his address to Limerick GAA Annual Convention this Monday night in the Woodlands House Hotel.

"I am delighted and privileged to stand here before you tonight as your new County Board Chairperson. It is a huge honour for myself, my family, my club Fr. Casey’s and my native club Athea," said the new chairman, who was elected into the position on a 134-76 vote over Seamus Twomey.

"I intend to serve in this role in a dignified and respectful manner, with a hardworking, honest, and sincere approach to all fellow Gaels," he vowed.

One of his first acts was to lead tributes to out-going chairman John Cregan.

"I would like to acknowledge the great contribution and dedication by our previous chairperson John Cregan and all his fellow officers. It is the benchmark for all of us now going forward, but it is my intention as well as all my fellow officers elected to the top table to keep the ship sailing in the same direction," said the Fr Caseys man.

"Going forward, keeping focused will be so important again for all of us if we are to continue this wonderful journey that Limerick GAA is on right now. I intend to support all our county teams at all grades in both hurling and football to give us the best chance of continuing the high standards we have set over the last number of years," said the Abbeyfeale clubman.

"The clubs and the schools at all levels have to be at the forefront and I am well aware that small numbers in clubs will have to be addressed going forward and it is crucial that this is done sooner rather than later. I believe the divisional Boards can play a crucial role in this, and the continued support for the underage academies, coaching and games and Coiste na Nóg will have to be maintained to the high level it’s at right now. I will support all codes and initiatives under the GAA umbrella," said the new Limerick GAA chairman. 

"There is great work being done quietly behind the scenes across our organisation by our club officers, mentors and volunteers who give up their time selflessly. It is important that this work be supported when required."

Monday's meeting saw five new officers elected to the executive of Limerick GAA County Board for 2023.

The chairman was one of six sitting officers, who had to depart their roles due to the ‘five year rule' - Chairman John Cregan, Assistant-Chairman Seamus McNamara, Treasurer Liam Bourke, Assistant-Treasurer Sean Burke, Assistant-Secretary Eamonn Phelan and PRO Hugh Murphy.

The new assistant-secretary is Mary Hassett of Ahane, who overcame Hugh Murphy, 156-54.

The new Assistant-Treasurer is former Football Committee chairman Gerry Phillips, who was elected ahead of Jim Enright - 162-45.

With McNamara the new chairman, the new vice-chairman is another west Limerick man - Frank Reidy, who was elected ahead of Pat Davoren (Ballybrown) and Emmett O'Brien (Kilidmo-Pallaskenry). The first county was Reidy 99, Davoren 94 and O'Brien 15. The second count was Reidy 109, Davoren 98.

The final position vacated was the role of PRO with former PRO Eamonn Phelan returning to the position after a five year absence - elected ahead of Aidan Ryan, 156-52.

2023 Limerick County Board Officers

Chairman: Seamus McNamara (Fr Caseys).

Vice-Chairman: Frank Reidy (Feohanagh-Castlemahon).

Secretary: Mike O’Riordan (Kilmallock).

Assistant-Secretary: Mary Hassett (Ahane).

Treasurer: Sean Burke (Crecora-Manister).

Assistant-Treasurer: Gerry Phillips (Monagea).

Coaching Officer: Pat Donnelly (South Liberties).

Irish Officer: Veronica Callinan (Bruff).

PRO: Eamonn Phelan (St Patricks).

Childrens Officer: Gerry McNamara (Mungret).

Youth Officer: Pat Davoren (Ballybrown).

Planning and Training Officer: Ger Corkery (Knockaderry).

Munster Council Delegates: John Cregan (Dromcollogher-Broadford) and Denis Carroll (South Liberties).

Central Council Delegate: Paul Foley (Patrickswell).

Football Committee Chairman: Wayne Fitzgerald (Gerald Griffins).