*Outgoing Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy leaves the role next month.
AN ALL-IRELAND winning Clare hurler has emerged as one of the strong candidates for the position of Head of Operations with Clare GAA.
The Clare Echo understands that of the six persons shortlisted for interview for the role, four attended at the headquarters of Munster GAA in Castletroy.
A three-person interview committee are tasked with questioning aspiring candidates on their vision for Clare GAA. The committee is comprised of representatives of Croke Park, the Munster Council and two-time All-Ireland winner Seán McMahon on behalf of Clare GAA.
Officers of Clare GAA were informed prior to the commencement of interviews that a total of twelve applicants had submitted CVs prior to the deadline of October 24th.
This was then reduced to a shortlist of six who were called for interviews which commenced on Thursday.
As first reported by The Clare Echo, this shortlist included a former newspaper editor, a sports officer with a third level institute and a Games Development Officer currently employed by the GAA.
According to Clare GAA insiders, only four of the six attended the interview stage of the recruitment process. Among those not to attend was the third level sports officer.
What has since emerged is Seán McMahon was not the only All-Ireland winner in the room. The Clare Echo has learned that the holder of a Celtic Cross is in the final shortlist and left a strong impression with their interview and CV.
Completing the list of candidates is a sitting member of a sub-committee with Clare GAA who is also an active officer with her own club with qualifications in the financial sector.
Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy remains in the role until County Convention next month. She became Clare GAA’s first Chief Operating Officer in October 2022 and title was soon rebranded to Head of Operations. The former secondary school teacher, Camogie Association and UL employee is taking up a post in the private sector.
Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating told the October meeting of the County Board that Murphy’s successor would be in place in January 2026. Officers are expecting the new Head of Operations will be known by the end of November.
