By Nuala Purcell

In a near photo finish, the race for president of the New York GAA came to a close on Sunday, December 5 in a narrow win for GAA stalwart Seamus Dooley of Monaghan. 

The talk among many Irish circles preceding the election was that the race would indeed be a close one. That proved to be true as the final count was a narrow margin of 50-46, as Dooley emerged as the victor over longtime GAA member and Kerry football club manager John Riordan. Both men led a strong campaign, and both have proven track records for their diligence and dedication within the organization. 

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Dooley thanked his supporters and acknowledged his opponent, whom he considers a good friend. He emphasized his hopes for Riordan to continue his tireless efforts within the GAA to ensure that the organization strives for continued success in the future. 

In his concession speech, Riordan also thanked his supporters, his opponent, and congratulated newly elected registrar, Joan Henchy of Kerry. Henchy is the first woman ever elected to this position in the New York GAA in an overwhelming result of 64-32 over incumbent Donie O’Sullivan. 

Other positions that ran unopposed were — First Vice President, Paddy Gormley; 2nd Vice President, Brendan O’Sullivan; Secretary, Larry McCarthy; Custodian, John Cox (John Kelly stepped down); Treasurer, Paul Tuffy.

After the announcement of the election results, Liam Bermingham, who stepped down as president after a two year reign, thanked everyone for their support during his term. He stated how his presidency ended on a high note when the New York team won the FBD League Final against Sligo in October of this year. 

Bermingham also reinforced the importance of backing the Randall’s Island Project (RIGS), and how the GAA in New York needs a place to call home. 

Bermingham stressed, “Never again will the GAA be offered acres upon acres of prime real estate in New York City.” Furthermore, he added, the GAA President in Ireland, Sean Kelly, has shown “tremendous interest in moving this project along.” 

Although it was not Dooley’s first time running for the top seat in the New York GAA, when asked why he believed he was victorious this time around he stated, “My hard work and good campaigning got me elected.” 

However, Dooley’s new title will no doubt be met with some challenges ahead. Despite the fact that delegates demonstrated an almost even split in the vote, Dooley vows to unite the GAA. He will do all possible, he says, to help the Ladies GAA, the Minor Board, and all of the junior and senior clubs in order to promote hurling and football.

Dooley also made it clear that he supports RIGS for the sake of future generations of GAA sports enthusiasts in the greater New York area. This support was music to RIGS President Monty Moloney’s ears.

Moloney spoke to the capacity crowd at the Riverdale Steakhouse after the elections took place. “It’s ironic that the man who was defeated today, John Riordan, first came to me back in 1998 saying there may be some land looking to be developed in Randall’s Island,” said Moloney.

“Almost seven years later, I am still personally involved with this project. This is a joint venture that we must capitalize on.” 

Moloney welcomed the support of the GAA both here and in Ireland, particularly by current GAA President Sean Kelly. He said he is proud of the people who have served on the RIGS board, but endeavors to seek more financial support from the Irish community among other entities. 

He was also pleased to announce the backing of the GAA’s Central Council in Ireland which has just approved a grant of Œ2 million toward the development of Randall’s Island.

“There are strong possibilities that we have an entity that will fund this entire project,” Moloney said, but cautioning about the deadline of December 31 imposed by the City of New York for RIGS to prove it has development funds in place.

“We are moving forward. We wouldn’t have gotten Œ2 million two years ago. We have the 31st of December to prove if we can do it or not,” he said.

Moloney will continue to spearhead the team in place to give the GAA and Irish community at large a place they can call their own amidst prime real estate in New York City. That, he believes, is an opportunity that can’t be passed by. 

For more information on RIGS, contact Moloney at 212-876-0511 or by e-mail at chartwell@hotmail.com.