*Robert Frost. Photograph: John Mangan
Two names will go before the clubs of Clare for the position of Chairperson after Robert Frost has decided not to contest for the position.
The Clare Echo can confirm that the O’Callaghans Mills clubman will not be seeking election to post currently vacated by his clubmate Joe Cooney which leaves current Vice Chairman PJ McGuane of Cooraclare and Cratloe County Board delegate Jack Chaplin in the running.
A former Chairman of Clare GAA and the Munster Council, Frost decided shortly before 5pm on Friday evening to withdraw from the race. He had been nominated by clubs but stated that he would not make up his mind until November 27th.
Speaking to The Clare Echo on Friday, Robert admitted that making the decision was not an easy one. “I would like to thank the people that nominated me and the number of clubs that encouraged me to stand. I have decided reluctantly not to stand for the position and I wish the other two candidates the very best of luck”.
Now living in Sixmilebridge, Frost was Chairman when Ger Loughnane was appointed senior hurling manager and when they won a first All-Ireland SHC title in 81 years. He became secretary of his own club at the age of 17 and remained in the role for ten years, his involvement in GAA administration has continued during subsequent decades. He is currently the Co Board delegate for his club.
Elections have not gone his way in recent years, Robert was an unsuccessful candidate for the GAA Presidency in 2017, he lost out to Simon Moroney at last year’s Convention for the role of Central Council Delegate while in the political scene he came up short as Fianna Fáil members of the Shannon Comhairle Ceanntair voted for Pat O’Gorman to fill the seat on Clare County Council vacated by Cathal Crowe TD.
The 2020 Clare GAA Convention will be held virtually on Tuesday December 15th. There will be a contest for Vice Chairman with four names in the ring, Kieran Keating (Naomh Eoin), Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills), Niall Romer (Kilmaley) and Michael Maher (Kilmaley).
There will also be a contest to elect two delegates to represent the county at Munster Council. Current delegate John Fawl (Ennistymon), ex Treasurer Bernard Keane (St Josephs Doora/Barefield) and All-Ireland winner Niall Gilligan (Sixmilebridge) are the nominees.
Both Naoise Jordan (Whitegate) and Michael Lee (Tubber) are nominated to become President of Clare GAA.
