Down County Convention

Monday 30th December 2024

Down GAA Annual Convention took place on the 16^th December, with over 150 Delegates gathered in the Canal Court Hotel Newry for what proved to be an historic occasion that saw Down GAA elect its first female Chairperson, when Maureen O'Higgins of Liatroim Fontenoys, succeeded outgoing chair John Devaney who had completed his five year term.

Maureen is a former County Development Officer and Ulster Council Member, who has been County Vice Chairperson for the past five years, a former County Camogie player, who won All Ireland honours as a player with both Club and County, indeed it is a double honour for Maureen's Family as her mum Rosaleen is the President of the Down Camogie Committee.  This is a great honour for the McCartan and O'Higgins families and indeed also for the Liatroim Club, and Maureen follows the late Charlie Keown, by becoming the second Chairperson to come from the famous Fontenoys.

In his outgoing address John Devaney, reflected on his five years in office, highlighting the launch of the Strategic Plan, the success on the field in football and hurling, culminating in five trophies including the Tailteann Cup, having a home in Down in 2024. The achievement of funding for the Centre of Participation, Well Being and Shared Learning Hub, has been one of the highlights of 2024, as this will allow us to bring a most exciting project to fruition and John Devaney encouraged everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel and ensure that we deliver the best facilities for future generations to come.

County Convention saw the election of the following officers : 

Chairperson Maureen O'Higgins Liatroim

Vice Chairperson Patrick Savage Teconnaught

Assistant Secretary Ryan Kelly Ardglass

Treasurer Diarmuid Cahill An Riocht

Assistant Treasurer Michael O Rourke An Riocht

Ard Comhairle Delegate Conor Watson Ballygalget

Ulster Council Delegate 1 Mark Doyle Liatroim

Ulster Council Delegate 2 Brendan Fitzpatrick Bryansford

PRO Paula Magee Mayobridge

Coaching Officer Paddy Hardy Castlewellan

Irish and Cultural Officer Gareth McGreevy Saul

Hurling Officer  Liam Quinn Bredagh

Planning and Training Officer ( to be appointed)