Aogán Ó Fearghaíl

Aogán Ó Fearghaíl (pronounced [ˈiːɡaːn̪ˠ oː ˈfʲaɾˠɣiːlʲ]; born 1959) is an Irish sports administrator who is the current 38th President of the Gaelic Athletic Association. He was elected to the position at the 2014 GAA congress in Dublin. Out of a total vote of 310, Ó Fearghail received 170 votes, Sheamus Howlin from Wexford came second with 83, with Seán Walsh of Kerry third with 57.

Biography

From Maudabawn, Drumgoon in County Cavan, he is the first Cavan president in the 130-year history of the GAA. He is the seventh man from Ulster to have acquired the role. He has worked his way from his native Drumgoon Éire Óg club of the GAA to the top position and has served at all levels with club, county, province and national levels. Extremely popular with the grass-roots of the association he is a passionate supporter of the GAA`s Gaelic and volunteer ethos with a firm commitment to community values. Fluent in both English and Irish he is one the GAA`s great orators and widely admired for his sincerity and plain touch. Like most Ulster GAA officials he is a strong Nationalist with a reputation for respect for differing traditions. He is also noted for his appeal for fairness towards the club players with regard to fixture making in the association. He is a polished media performer with notable debating skills yet seldom seen as confrontational. He is however known to be stubbornly supportive of the GAA rulebook and is not known as a compromiser.

O Fearghail is a primary school principal who has also run many businesses with his wife Frances. Together the managed they family shop and Post Office and jointly built and ran a highly successful Cultural Centre in his native County Cavan. He is a well regarded historian who has published local histories and is a regular historical contributor to historical seminars and heritage events. He was also for many years principal of a Gaeltacht summer college in Gortahork, County Donegal where he spends much free time.

As a GAA coach, he coached his club under 12s for 25 years and successfully built the club from humble junior also rans to one of Cavans strongest club units. He played hurling with Erins Hope at St Patricks College, Drumcondra and has also played handball at the highest levels.

O' Fearghail officially took over as GAA president on 28 February 2015 at the GAA's Annual Congress at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan.