*Seamus Hayes interviewing Alan Sweeney and Donie Garrihy of St Breckans. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
ONE OF the county’s most experienced journalists has declined an offer to become PRO of Clare GAA.
Seamus Hayes was the only nominee for the vacant PRO post, the March meeting of the County Board was informed this week.
Speaking at the meeting which took place in Treacy’s West County Hotel, the Lissycasey man declined the post and revealed that no officer made any official approach to him after numerous clubs nominated him to become PRO.
He stated, “This is the first anyone has officially said to me about the position. I learned of my nomination when I asked the secretary if any nominations had been received”.
Hayes revealed that his predecessor, Michael O’Connor who is now the Vice Chairman wanted to issue a statement to announce his nomination. “The only other mention of this to me was by the former PRO who contacted me last week about issuing a statement regarding the nomination,” he informed delegates.
Chairman Kieran Keating then told the meeting “we are still seeking nominations for this position” and he asked clubs to submit nominations for same.
No clubs or officials questioned Hayes on his decision to decline the offer. Seamus spent 49 years working with The Clare Champion, his departure from the paper coincided with a reduction in its once comprehensive sports coverage. Since his exit from Barrack St, he has worked as a freelance reporter with publications such as The Clare Echo, The Clare People and The Irish Star.
