*GDA Micheál Duffy is among the names in the running for Head of Operations. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
SITTING OFFICERS and one paid official of Clare GAA are among the names linked as potential replacements of Deirdre Murphy as the Association’s Head of Operations.
At the beginning of October, Deirdre announced she would be leaving the role, three years on from her appointment. The former Clare camogie captain who on Sunday was part of the Clooney/Quin panel to win the county intermediate championship is to take up a role in the private sector when she bows out after County Convention in December.
Applications for the post of Head of Operations close next Friday (October 24th). “There is a challenging opportunity there now for someone else to pick it up from here,” Chairman of Clare GAA Kieran Keating told the October meeting of the County Board.
Potential candidates are keeping tight-lipped as CVs are prepared and finalised. The post is anticipated to attract interest from persons outside the GAA and Co Clare.
Within GAA circles in Clare, a handful of names are frequently cropping up in conversations about the vacancy.
Chairman Keating is among those linked to the role. Head of Finance with Shannon based Fabricated Products. Next year would be his final stint in the Chair following the maximum five year term that officers are allowed to hold. He has worked very closely with Murphy following her appointment in September 2022.
Keating defeated the then incumbent Jack Chaplin of Cratloe in a contest in 2021 to become Chairman. Chaplin himself defeated PJ McGuane in a contest at the 2020 Convention to join the Executive for the first time.
A native of Cross in West Clare, Kieran now resides in the parish of Sixmilebridge. He was a Munster Council delegate before becoming Vice Chairman of Clare GAA. A move to the Provincial Council has also been touted for the Naomh Eoin clubman when his term as Chairman ends.
Keating declined to comment when contacted by The Clare Echo. If he does not apply, he will be a central figure involved in the appointment.
Games Development Administrator with Clare GAA, Micheál Duffy is understood to be applying for the post of Head of Operations. The Kilfenora native became Acting Games Development Manager in January 2021 before taking on the role on a full-time basis.
Duffy currently lines out with the Corofin senior hurlers who were relegated to intermediate for 2026 and the Kilfenora junior footballers who reached the semi-finals this season losing to eventual winners Killimer.
On the coaching front, he has been instrumental in increasing the amount of games played by underage teams in Clare and the amount of games development officers working for Clare GAA. He has completed a Masters in Applied Sports Coaching from the University of Limerick.
Efforts to contact Duffy for comment were unsuccessful.
Current Vice Chairman of Clare GAA, Michael O’Connor is another name in the mix for the vacancy. The Crusheen man was among those to make the shortlist of sixteen for the Head of Operations gig in 2022. He had been nominated for Chairman prior to the 2020 Convention but withdrew citing his commitments to his club and studies in health promotion.
After serving for five years as PRO, O’Connor was elected Vice Chairman in December 2021. He took a three week sabbatical from the role of PRO between September and October 2021 to “reflect, review, reassess and comprehend the value of my commitment to the role”.
He has recently finished up as Gaelic Games officer at the University of Galway, a post he has held since August 2009. He remains employed by Connacht GAA. He is a former Bord na nÓg secretary and coached the Freshers hurlers in Galway for six years. Michael also works as a freelance reporter for The Clare Champion.
O’Connor did not comment when contacted by The Clare Echo.
Deputy CEO and Head of Operations with Munster GAA, John Brennan has also been linked with the position but the Ennis man is not expected to leave his post with the provincial body.
Fixtures secretary, Deirdre Chaplin of Cratloe has said she will not be applying for the role. Ex inter-county referee Rory McGann who has been actively climbing through the administration ranks of Clare GAA was vocal in Cusack Park on Sunday saying that to become Head of Operations would be a pay cut from his role as a lecturer in ICT/Digital Learning at Mary Immaculate College.
Members of the local sporting media have also been mentioned as unlikely but potential candidates in the race.
Murphy’s successor will be responsible for working with the county executive to develop the vision and strategies of the GAA within the county and for implementing short and long-term plans to achieve the Association’s goals. The Head of Operations will report to the Office of the Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA, and the County Chairperson and will be tasked to provide direction and leadership to management and staff and oversee the effective development of Clare GAA.
