Aogán Ó Fearghail

Aogán Ó Fearghail (pronounced [ˈiːɡaːn̪ˠ oː ˈfʲaɾˠɣiːlʲ]; born 1959) is an Irish sports administrator who was the 38th president of the Gaelic Athletic Association.[1] He was elected to the position at the 2014 GAA Congress in Dublin. Out of a total vote of 310, Ó Fearghail received 170 votes, Sheamus Howlin from Wexford came second with 83, with Seán Walsh of Kerry third with 57.[2][3]

Biography

From Maudabawn, Drumgoon in County Cavan, Ó Fearghail was the first Cavan president in the 130-year history of the GAA.[4] He is the seventh man from Ulster to have acquired the role.[5] He worked his way from his native Drumgoon Éire Óg club of the GAA to the top position and has served at all levels with club, county, province and national levels.

Ó Fearghail is a member of the HSE [6] and was previously a primary school principal at St Patricks National School, Dernakesh, in his native parish of Drumgoon in Cavan, who has also runs many businesses with his wife. Together they managed the family shop and post office and jointly built and ran a Cultural Centre in his native County Cavan. He is also a local historian who 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.

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. He played hurling with Erins Hope at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, and has also played handball at the highest levels.

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[7]

References
  1. "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. "Aogán Ó Fearghai elected". Gaa.ie. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  3. "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.
  4. "Aogan O'Fearghail elected new GAA president". Irish Independent. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  5. "Aogán Ó Fearghaíl elected as new GAA President". BBC Sport. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  6. "Former GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail among new appointees to revamped HSE board". Independent.ie. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  7. "John Horan reflects on his term as GAA President". Gaa.ie.

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