New PRO Sinead Breen determined to deliver to a level Donegal supporters deserve

Sinead Breen says Donegal GAA media relations need to be mended in 2024 while the level of PR output and the quality of it also needs real improvement. 

The Monaghan native was elected as the county’s new PRO on Wednesday night at Convention. Having suffered disappointment on two previous occasions, it was very much a case of ‘third time lucky’ for the Setanta/St Mary’s, Convoy footballers woman. 

With Killybegs' Ed Byrne withdrawing from the race right at the very last moment Breen’s elevation was, in the end, straight forward. Still, she admits she was ready for a battle had it gone to a vote. 

“I was very taken aback that it was uncontested,” she told DonegalLive. “To be perfectly honest, I’m disappointed as I’d put some blood, sweat and… well, no tears this time out but I’d left no stone unturned! 

“I’d made sure coming here tonight that I’d a very strong first preference vote. I wasn’t confident last year or the year before but I felt coming here tonight I was going to be elected. 

“I’ve persevered and that’s what it sometimes takes. In life, if you want something you have to take your knockbacks. 

“But it just makes you appreciate the winning even more. I can’t wait to get started now and to hit the ground running”. 

She gets down to business right away and her first task, she says, will be addressing Donegal’s website glitches and the manner in which areas like fixtures are both highlighted and delivered. 

“Things we should take for granted aren’t there in front of us - that has to be the first port of call. I’m a former minor board secretary and former discipline secretary so being organised is my thing. 

“The scope of the PRO is as broad as you want it to be and I’m going to push that boundary as far as I can. In this day and age, people want and deserve clear and easy accessed information. 

“I’m also very passionate about heritage and culture. I’m currently studying a diploma in Irish language through Magee University. I’m doing that with the sole purpose of strengthening my ability to deliver as a strong administrator for Donegal. 

“Hurling is extremely important to me. I’m a duel member with both Setanta and Naomh Muire, Convoy. I also want to deliver more coverage of handball and culture within the county. 

“It’s a huge undertaking, I’m very aware of that.  But I’m putting a really good team in place beside me. It’s going to take that to hit the press relations and communications level Donegal GAA deserves”.

She added: “Fergus McGee touched on it tonight, but we have a very good, honest press here in Donegal. I’ll be looking to mend some of those bridges as they have a really important job and function. 

“And we have some of the best press people in the country. And the truth is, we need them to help promote and highlight all the positive stuff also”. 

The Donegal county executive now has its highest ever female representation with five woman in total positioned at the top table. 

Mary Coughlan takes over the chair from January 1 while the likes of Grace Boyle (treasurer), Mary Kelly (assistant secretary) and Catriona Sweeney (cultural officer) are also on board.  

“It’s exciting times," says Breen on that head count. "That’s a fine list - all good, independent and strong woman. And I think it’s an amazing time to be stepping into these roles. We have had such dynamic changes in management and we’re all coming in with a really strong mandate. 

“I can see a real synergy there. And we all have the one thing in common - we want the best for Donegal. These roles should never be about personality, the individual or egos”.