Catherine Deely takes top job at St Naul’s

St Naul’s are breaking new ground off the pitch with the recent election of Catherine Deely as the club’s new chairperson - the first female to hold the position in the club’s history. 

The Frosses native forms a very formidable top table alongside Mary Coughlan, secretary, and Alice Lynch, treasurer. She succeeds Joe Brennan at Gerard Gallagher Memorial Park, who steps away following a decade at the helm. 

For Deely, her ascension to the post is the result of years of commitment to the club. But, she says, to be elected as chairperson is uniquely special - especially with the little bit of side history that is attached to this appointment. 

“I’m delighted,” said Catherine. “It really is a privilege. I got involved with the ladies teams originally, here, at the club. I’m a nurse and they first took me on board in a physio capacity. It really all started from there! 

“To be fair to Joe Brennan, the work he’s done in the last ten years, he was a fantastic chairman. On and off the pitch, the club really is making serious strides. 

“We’re under the one umbrella here, by that I mean both the ladies and men’s boards. The workload now, the time and effort that needs to go into all of that, it’s never been greater. We’re very fortunate to have so many capable and willing people on board. 

“Mary and Alice, they have loads of experience between them also. Delegating, I believe that’s a crucial part in all of this. We have so many young, vibrant and talented people in our membership. And there are so many aspects to this now, both on and off the pitch. 

“Anyone and everyone really can have a part to play. The GAA is the heart and hub of any community. Having been involved with the ladies sides over the last few years, you see the impact it has. It’s all inclusive. 

“So it’s exciting times now moving into 2023. Yes, the fact that I’m the first woman to hold the post makes me proud. But to be fair, none of that is really that important in the grander scheme of things. 

“Like I said, if someone is enthusiastic, wants to be involved and wants to get on board; those are the real difference makers at the end of the day".