Allen returned to serve fifth consecutive term

Meath Co Committeee chairman Barney Allen was returned to serve a fifth term at the helm at Saturday's annual GAA convention, the first at Áras Táilteann. Allen was opposed by Boardsmill delegate TJ Reilly on this occasion unlike 12 months ago when the Rathkenny clubman was returned unopposed. However, Allen won the contest with plenty to spare on a vote of 122-31 and will now serve his fifth and final term as chairman. Under the GAA rules, an officer may only serve one period of five years in the same role, but the Rathkenny clubman would be eligible for election for a number of other positions at the 2012 convention. The popular chairman, who received great praise from a number of officials for his tremendous workrate and dedication to the GAA, was clearly delighted to have been returned to serve a fifth consecutive term after winning the vote with plenty to spare. "It's good when there is a contest and I'm looking forward to working with you all again in the future," said Allen. "This is my fifth and final year as chairman, it's a labour of love. "I have to highlight that Coiste na Mí is unhappy with the local print media and we will be looking for a meeting about the matter," he added. His opponent, a former chairman of the old Hurling Board, and a former manager of the county hurling team offered sincere congratulations to the chairman. "Congratulations on been well-elected, democracy is best served when there is a vote and this result proves just how popular a GAA man Barney Allen is," stated Reilly who pledged his support for the Co Committee in 2012. "I haven't been involved as a delegate for the last two years, but I will be more involved now and If I can help with any matter in any way I'm willing to do so," added Reilly. Donaghmore/Ashbourne official Conor Tormey was returned as vice-chairman following a contest with former vice-chairman Eugene Comaskey. Tormey won the vote by 100-53 and will be in charge of the CCC again for 2012 when that matter is finalised ahead of the next Co Committee meeting on Monday 16th January. Kiltale's Paddy Kelly was also nominated for the role of vice-chairman, but was ineligible to attend due to a suspension that was imposed last month. Kelly submitted a letter advising delegates that a hearing on his suspension had been adjourned the previous Thursday pending the availability of some extra information. Secretary Cyril Creavin was returned unopposed to serve his fifth term while Francis Flynn had to fend off the challenge of Bea O'Reilly (Kilmessan) to retain his position of assistant-secretary. Flynn won the vote by 131-22 and will now serve his fifth term in the position. Pat Clerkin will also be serving his fifth term as treasurer and was returned unopposed as was assistant-treasurer Dessie Murtagh. There was a tighter contest for the role of Central Council delegate where Dunsany's Brendan Cummins was returned to serve another term (88-63) at the expense of Dunshaughlin's Paddy O'Dwyer. The two positions on Leinster Council produced a long and sometimes complicated and fragmented election process. Some delegates expressed annoyance that they weren't informed that O'Dwyer wasn't eligible to seek a position before the vote took place for Leinster Council. It appeared that the chairman was unaware of the fact as well as he appeared to be surprised when O'Dwyer stated that he was ineligible. "We should have noticed that Paddy easn't eligible, his name should not have been listed on the nomination sheet," remarked the chairman who apologised to the Dunshaughlin delegate. Four candidates remained in the race with Brendan Dempsey elected on the first count when he exceeded the quota with 113 votes with Francis Lynch (75), Brian Carberry (61) and Peter O'Halloran (47) completing the first round. It was then stated that the candidate with the lowest number of votes should be eliminated and voting papers were distributed. However, when Larry McEntee pointed out that such a move was incorrect, he also explained the process in detail, the original voting papers were collected and new ones were distributed with delegates instructed to vote for only one of the remaining three candidates after O'Halloran (35) was eliminated as Lynch (63) made the running ahead of Carberry (52). The final round produced a surprise result when Carberry (75) edged out Lynch (71). The St Vincent's clubman was clearly surprised with his success and thanked the delegates for their support who showed their appreciation with a spontaneous round of applause. The election of PRO produced a surprise when delegates were informed that Martin O'Halloran was ineligible as he was not a current member of the GAA. "I told Martin that he was not eligible to contest the position and he is gone," the Co Committee chairman told delegates. Outgoing PRO Anne McDonnell (86) was returned with a substantial majority ahead of Peter O'Halloran (37) and Bea O'Reilly (17). "I was going to say something about the local media, but I'm quite prepared to let you handle that matter chairman," the Summerhill woman commented . Dunshaughlin's Mairead Delaney was unopposed and was returned to serve another term as Development Officer ansd she also referred to an article that appeared in the 'local press' that she felt was unbalanced. "There was an article in the local press about Martin O'Halloran's bid for the role of PRO, it was totally unbalanced and I'm glad the chairman is going to talk to the press," she stated. Cathal Joyce (70) tied with Micheál " Gallachóir (70) in the elction for Irish Officer and retained his position while there was some furore over the final position of Coaching Officer. The chairman told delegates that two of the nominees, Damien Sheridan (Seneschalstown) and Eamonn O'Brien (Walterstown) were 'out' and that Eamonn Barry (Walterstown) was not eligible as he was not a paid up member of the GAA. Barry was on his feet immediately and informed the chairman that he was a paid up member and when queried about his club stated that it was Walterstown. The exchanges continued for a couple of minutes before the chairman adjourned the matter that will now be dealt with at the adjourned convention on Monday 16th January. The other nominee for Coaching Officier, PJ Cudden (Castletown), was not mentioned.