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22 Oct 2025

Convention nominations and motions set to be released later this evening

Chairperson Mary Coughlan is closing in on one year at the helm with this year’s Convention set to be hosted by the Pettigo GAA club at the Pettigio Centre on Wednesday, December 11

Convention nominations and motions set to be released later this evening

Donegal GAA Chairperson Mary Coughlan

The nominations and motions for Donegal GAA Convention 2024 are due to be released tonight (Wednesday) at an executive meeting in Convoy. 

Chairperson Mary Coughlan is closing in on one year at the helm with this year’s Convention set to be hosted by the Pettigo GAA club at the Pettigio Centre on Wednesday, December 11. 

History was created in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey back in late 2023 when Coughlan became the first woman to hold the role in Donegal after she was elected unopposed taking over from outgoing chairman Fergus McGee.

The St Naul’s club woman admits it’s been a hectic settling in period but believes Donegal GAA is now steering itself towards what she says is a very good place.  

“We’re really looking forward to going to Pettigo on December 11,” she told DonegalLive. “It’s a small, rural club doing its absolute best to build and develop. 

“It’s great they took the initiative to apply and we’re delighted to go there and be hosted by them. It’s a fabulous facility there. 

“I came into this with my eyes wide open but, I have to say, I’ve enjoyed the work thoroughly to date. I genuinely mean this, everyone has worked as hard as they possibly could these last 11 or so months.  

“It’s been a whirlwind of work to be honest. It’s so vast and time-consuming and, don’t forget, the individuals getting through all of that are doing so on a voluntary basis. 

“And county committee and the cxecutive are working really well in developing our underage structures as well as our adult sides. 

“And listen, there has been some brilliant on-field successes in 2023 and that has buoyed everyone. My aspiration now is that we drive on and attempt to achieve even more”. 

Declan Martin, secretary, and Sean Dunnion, central council, will both come to the end of their respective five-year terms in December and Coughlan says their contribution to Donegal GAA has been immense.

“The nominations and various motions will be finalised tonight (Wednesday) and then released to the clubs, media and so on,” she explained. 

“Declan Martin and Sean Dunnion are at the end of their terms. They have so much experience and they really do wear Donegal on their sleeves. They’ve been fantastic colleagues this year and two great individuals to look to for advice. 

“They have been absolute stalwarts and I’m sure that will all be acknowledged and recognised on the night as well. 

“Of course, we must also reserve a special word for Noreen Doherty, our county administrator who has also moved on.

“Noreen has dedicated most of her adult life to Donegal GAA, close on 40 years, and that’s just amazing when you think about it. 

“She has had a difficult time recently and hasn’t probably had the time to enjoy her retirement so far.  But her contribution has been immense. So we’ll be thinking of her too at convention, without a doubt”.  

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