*Fergal O’Brien. Photograph: Ruth Griffin
FERGAL O’Brien who stepped into the role of Chairman of Clare camogie in mid 2025 will continue in the role in the coming year.
He was unopposed for the position at the annual convention of Clare Camogie at Hotel Woodstock on Monday night.
There is just one change to the Executive for 2026 with Eileen Gleeson from Truagh/Clonlara was appointed to the role of development officer, replacing Cormac Hefferrnan (Scariff/Ogonnelloe) who did not seek re-election.
No contests took place at Convention for any of the positions. Long-serving officials Brid MacNamara (PRO) and Mary McMahon (Asst PRO) were returned. Ex Treasurer, Martin Kaiser continues as Assistant Treasurer with former secretary Ann Sanz one of two assistant secretaries alongside Josephine Casey of Ruan.
In his first address to convention chairperson O’Brien said “convention is a time where we should acknowledge the incredible work of our volunteers all over the county who give so much time and commitment to our clubs and players. Without them we would be nothing”.
Continuing, Fergal said, “Clare camogie is in a strong position for 2026. Our membership numbers continue to grow and the popularity of the game is there for all to see at every grade. The challenge for us is o continuously improve everything that we do including fixtures, competitions structures, facilities, development squads and funding. That takes time and it takes work. The executive committee works tirelessly and voluntarily at an operational and strategic level to develop all aspects of camogie in Clare. Like every organisation mistakes are made and improvement is required. We should not be driven by people’s praise and not demoralised by people’s criticism. We should be all working together at the highest level we can towards improving Clare camogie”.
Broadford clubman O’Brien said, “don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you”.
He went on to say that “Clare camogie continues to co-operate well with Clare LGFA and we are lucky to have a very good relationship with Clare GAA. Deirdre Murphy has been a real friend to us and we look forward to working well with her successor Anne Marie Moran and Kieran Keating as the four codes engage more closely with each other”.
Clare Camogie Executive 2026:
President: Bridie O’Looney (Newmarket-on-Fergus)
Chairperson: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)
Vice chairman: Joe O’Donnell (Cratloe)
Secretary: Gillian McNulty (Ruan)
Assistant secretaries: Ann Sanz (Banner) and Josephine Casey (Ruan)
Treasurer: John Hogan (Banner)
Assistant treasurer: Martin Kaiser (Newmarket-on-Fergus)
PRO: Brid MacNamara (Ruan)
Assistant PRO: Mary McMahon (Éire Óg)
Registrar: Kevin Walsh (Wolfe Tones)
Development officer: Eileen Gleeson (Truagh/Clonlara)
Munster delegates: Gillian McNulty (Ruan) and Eleanor Walsh (Scariff/Ogonnelloe)
Delegates to congress: Fiona O’Mahoney (Smith O’Briens), Gillian McNulty, Brid MacNamara, Ann Sanz
Child officer: Fiona O’Mahoney, (Smith O’Briens)
Secondary schools servicing officer: Ciara Grogan, (Clooney/Quin).
