Donegal GAA secretary Declan Martin signs off after completing five-year term

Declan Martin has delivered his final report as Donegal GAA secretary with his five-year term coming to an end at Convention 2024 in Pettigo next Wednesday night. 

The Naomh Muire clubman served through the Covid pandemic when administrative work and how it’s carried out changed beyond all comprehension. 

And while there were also choppy waters to contend with like the Croke Park review, the popular Donegal secretary passes on a healthy looking brief to his successor.  

He explains: Over my term, there has been many changes and challenges. In my first two years as secretary, we
had to deal with Covid restrictions and lockdowns. As committee members we had to deal with online meetings and even two online Conventions".

He added: “After a disappointing year in 2023 our county footballers showed us the ability that they are capable of, with a very successful year. 

The successful appointment of Jim McGuinness raised expectations around the county and country, and he did not let anyone down. 

“I would also like to thank Mickey McCann and his management team for their dedication and efforts to the county senior hurling team in 2024. 

“The Underage Development squads continued in 2024, and the Academy got up and running again. 

“I would like to thank Declan Bushell for his work on this. We were unsuccessful in securing an Academy lead Coach in 2024, but hopefully this will be put in place in 2025. 

“We have continued to work on the Donegal GAA Centre development. Michael McMenamin and Declan Gallagher are doing great work in making sure the Facility is in prime condition for the hours of Training that goes on there. 

“Thanks to David McLoone for looking after the bookings at the Centre in 2024. A word of thanks also to Brendan McElhinney, the Caretaker at the Donegal GAA Centre. 

“Brendan and the rest of the staff has the grounds in prime condition and is to be commended for his commitment and dedication to the role. 

“I would like to thank the CCC and the Coiste na nÓg CCC who along with the Hurling Board, have completed the Fixture schedule as per the Fixture Plan laid out at the start of the year”. 

In his time in the secretary’s chair, Martin served under a total of four chairpersons and he acknowledged all their contributions in his report. 

“I would like to thank the Cathaoirleach that I have served under, Sean Dunnion, Mick McGrath, Fergus McGee and Mary Coughlan. 

“All four have guided me in my positions and have helped me as Assistant Secretary and as Secretary throughout the ten years. 

“I would also like to thank Aideen Gillen for her companionship and support in my first five years. 

“I wish to thank Ulster Council and Croke Park Officials for their help over the years when I contacted them on a regular basis, so I would like to thank the staff in both areas for being available for queries at all times. 

“I would especially like to thank Noreen Doherty, our retired County Administrator for her continued support at all times. Noreen has always been available for assistance and advice on Donegal GAA matters. 

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“I wish to offer my condolences to her on the recent loss of Aidan, and I hope that she can find some strength in dealing with her enormous loss in the early stages of her retirement. 

“I wish Lisa all the best in her new role as County Administrator, and hope she has many years in the role. I wish to thank all the County officers, Clubs, Club secretaries, and the County delegates that I have got to know and work with over the years.

“I hope that we can all continue to work together to keep Donegal at the top echelons of the GAA, in Football, Hurling and Cultural activities for many years to come. 

“Finally, it has been a privilege to represent the Clubs of Donegal GAA, and I thank you all most sincerely for giving me the honour of being selected County Secretary. 

“I would also like to thank the large number of GAA members that attended the wake and funeral of my mother in June”.

Go raibh maith agaibh