Padraig Pearses clubman and former hurling committee chairman Paul Bellew has been elected Galway GAA‘s next chairperson, taking over from Pat Kearney whose five year term came to an end.
Pitted in a head-to-head battle for votes from club delegates with football committee chairman Kevin Clancy, Bellew ran out the resounding winner on a 167-97 final tally from the 264 votes cast at this week's annual convention.
In early November Bellew outlined his vision for Galway GAA in a far-reaching document titled “The Future”. In it he stated highly collaborative approach was required to address key issues affecting Galway GAA, with the aim of having “the right people in the right positions working on the right things” in the short term.
How quickly these aspirational ideas can now be put into meaningful action will be interesting to follow, but Bellew is not afraid to tackle issues head on and was a key driver in the capture of Henry Shefflin as the new hurling manager.
Shefflin was probably already well aware that rumours about Joe Canning’s possible return to the inter-county fold were little more than idle speculation, but interestingly this notion was put to bed when news filtered through over the weekend that Canning had become part of Fergal Healy’s backroom team with the U17s.
Elsewhere, St Thomas’ will have eyes firmly fixed on proceedings in Croke Park this coming Sunday as reigning All-Ireland club champions Ballyhale Shamrocks take on surprise packet Clough-Ballacolla of Laois in the Leinster final - the winner to take on the Galway kingpins in the New Year.
Moycullen were denied a second Connacht Intermediate title last Saturday when Mayo champions Tooreen got the better of them on a 1-15 to 0-14 scoreline at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan.
Level at the break with wind advantage to come, Morgan Darcy’s side appeared to be in good shape. However, Sean Regan’s third quarter goal changed the complexion of the contest and left Moycullen chasing the game against seasoned opponents.
Despite some late pressure they were unable to force a goal and Tooreen held on to retain their crown.
Later that afternoon at the same venue, Salthill/Knocknacarra won the Connacht junior title by defeating Sligo champions Easkey.
Taking full advantage of the windy conditions, Salthill/Knocknacarra built up a healthy lead with captain Michael O’Donnell’s goal a tonic score.
Donal O’Shea kept the scoreboard ticking over and finished with 0-12 as Salthill/Knocknacarra withstood a late rally from Easkey. They will now begin preparations to take on highly fancied Kilkenny side Mooncoin after Christmas.
