Winds of change set to blow ahead of Donegal GAA Convention 2024

Wednesday evening’s annual Convention looks set to bring the curtain down on one of the most turbulent years in Donegal GAA history. 

But the depths that matters plummeted to means there seems to be a real appetite for change with fresh faces, almost across the board, looking to step up and step in. 

With Sean Dunnion (Four Masters) and Cieran Kelly (St Naul's) deciding not to let their names go forward, Mary Coughlan (St Naul’s) looks set to be elected Donegal’s first-ever female Chairperson while it seems certain Ardara’s Mary Kelly will also step into the Assistant Secretary’s role unopposed. 

Dunnion will look to seek re-election to Central Council with Killybegs' Niall Erskine also in the running. Kelly will be looking to remain in place at Ulster Council level. With two spots up for grabs there, Ciaran McKenna (Moville), Kieran Gallagher (Termon), Liam McElhinney (St Michael's) and Andy Doherty (Red Hughs) are all vying for election. 

Grace Boyle (Termon) is favourite to once again return to the Treasurer’s role - a position she has held previously. Paul McGonagle, Mick McGrath (Aodh Ruadh) and Frankie Doherty (St Eunan’s) are also nominated.  

Buncrana’s McGonagle has already confirmed he won’t be leaving his name in the running for that post or the role of Coaching Officer for which he’s also been nominated. 

However, the former county senior player will allow his nomination to remain in the hat for the Assistant Treasurer role where Frankie Doherty is aiming to complete a five-year term. Brendan Kelly (St Mary’s, Convoy) is also in the running there. 

Having seen off the challenge of Mick McGrath, Emlyn Hughes is the new Children’s Officer after an independent three-person interview panel decided the Four Masters man was best equipped to take that position. 

One of the real battles set to take place on the night at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, is for the role of Coaching Officer with Michel McGeehin (St Eunan’s) looking to hold off the threat of Donegal legend Damian Diver. 

With Gaoth Dobhair’s Sorcha Ní Gallachóir not running, the PRO post is also now a two-horse race between Sinead Breen (Setanta hurling/St Mary's, Convoy football) and Ed Byrne (Killybegs). 

Given the trials and tribulations, both on and off the field, over the course of the last 12 months, there will no doubt be plenty of heated debate in Ballybofey on Wednesday evening.