*Michael O’Neill. Photograph: John Mangan
THERE IS only set to be one contest for the upcoming Clare GAA County Convention.
For the second year in a row, Robert Frost of O’Callaghans Mills is to challenge Ballyea’s Michael O’Neill as Central Council delegate. It will be the only contest for any officer’s role on the County Executive.
Both men have formerly served as Chairman of Clare GAA. In last year’s vote, O’Neill prevailed 96-86.
This year’s County Convention is to be held at Hotel Woodstock on Tuesday December 12th.
Elected Chairman in December 2021, Kieran Keating will head into his third year in the hotseat as will Vice Chairman Michael O’Connor of Crusheen.
Cratloe’s Deirdre Chaplin is unopposed as assistant secretary as is Irish Officer, Joe Garry, Munster Council delegates John Fawl and Bernard Keane plus coaching and games officer, Neil O’Brien.
Sean Chambers who had to fend off the challenge of Caroline O’Connor to remain on as assistant treasurer at last year’s Convention faces no opposition this time round.
Lissycasey’s Anne Hayes who was appointed PRO in April 2022 is set to be returned. Former Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League, Oliver Fitzpatrick who is the current PRO of the Kilmaley GAA Club had been tipped as a potential challenger to Hayes but it is understood he declined offers to let his name go forward.
Brian Fitzpatrick will attend his first County Convention. A clubmate of Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy in Clooney/Quin, he was appointed as successor to Rebecca Sexton as Treasurer in July.
All motions have been submitted and are expected to be circulated to clubs this week. The Clare Echo understands that there will be a strong appetite from clubs as evident in the motions to revert to U18, U16, U14 and U12 at underage level.
