Top table power battles set to be played out ahead Mayo GAA convention

by Aiden Henry

WITH the celebrations that have followed Mayo’s winning the All-Ireland senior football for the first time in 75 years now beginning to cool off, Mayo GAA matters off the field of play are now just starting to hot up with the annual convention which will be held in the McWilliam Park, Hotel, Claremorris, on Sunday, December 6.

Normally, the Mayo GAA convention passes off without much fuss with little to excite the counties faithful followers.

Yes, you would have the odd contest here and there and a few discussions about the counties fortunes on the field of play.

But little else.

However, this forthcoming convention is shaping up to be a bit more exciting and should draw a lot more interest throughout the length and breath of the county.

This is on account of the huge amount of top table positions that will be up for grabs.

Indeed, the positions of chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, PRO, central council and Connacht council could all be contested.

This sets the stage for a fair bit of canvassing over the next four or five weeks.

Let’s take a look at where the major battles for are shaping up.

Chairman: It is looking at this stage that there will be two in the race for the role board chairperson.

It is strongly speculated that serving county secretary Ronan Kirrane may challenge acting chairman and outgoing vice-chairman Michael Diskin for the top job.

Kirrane has four of his five-year term as secretary almost completed.

This contest is certain to attract plenty of discussion over the coming weeks.

Secretary: With Ronan Kirrane likely to go for the chair, the position of secretary will be up for grabs.

It is understood that current Central Council delegate, Con Moynihan and present assistant secretary, Brian O’Malley, will be interested, leading to another battle royal.

Treasurer: There are hints that South Mayo Board chairman Donal Walsh will be nominated for the post, leading to a vote between him and serving treasurer Valerie Murphy.

Vice-chairman: There will be at least two for the position. Former county secretary, Dermot Butler has already confirmed his intentions. It is also expected that present PRO, Paul Cunnane, will have his name in the hat for this job.

Central Council Delegate: This will open up in the event of Con Moynihan seeking the secretary's seat.

Already, former County Board chairman Mike Connelly has indicated he will contest the position. There is also speculation that the present Connacht Council delegate Liam Moffatt will be in the race for this position.

There is also the possibility that the positions of Connacht Council delegates and PRO will be contested.

The closing date for nominations is Sunday night, November 22.