Ballyhaunis man with Donegal connections honoured with 2025 Gradaim an Uachtaráin

Martin Grogan, a stalwart of Warwickshire GAA, was awarded the prestigious International Award at the 2025 Gradaim an Uachtaráin ceremony last month, recognising his lifelong commitment to Gaelic games.

The award, presented by GAA President Jarlath Burns, celebrates exceptional dedication to the association at both club and county levels.

Originally from Ballyhaunis, Martin’s connection to the GAA is further strengthened by his Donegal roots, as he is married to Mary McBrearty from Bruckless, Co. Donegal. Their shared passion for Gaelic games has been a key influence in Martin’s journey.

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Born in 1950 to Clarence and Delia Grogan, Martin grew up on Clare Street in Ballyhaunis alongside his five sisters and two brothers, where his love for sport first blossomed. After finishing his schooling, he worked at Donnellan’s and became involved in Ballyhaunis GAA.

"When I was growing up in Ballyhanis, the GAA was the only game in town," he said. "I was gone every evening kicking a football, every Sunday you'd be gone to a match, whether it be Castlebar, Tuam, Sligo . . . it was meeting people. I started going to meetings then and then I got the bug."

Martin Grogan with GAA President Jarlath Burns and Warwickshire club member and Kilcar native Seanie Boyle

In 1974, a trip to Coventry with Ballyhaunis GAA sparked a new chapter in Martin’s life. He joined the Coventry Roger Casement's GAA Club, where he quickly became an influential figure.

More than 50 years later, Martin continues to play a pivotal role at the club, where he has served as treasurer and contributed significantly to the club’s development.

"I became chairman and I did two seven-year stints as chairman," he said. "We had a very rough time in the 80s when the club nearly went out of existence, but because of the founders of the club, we said we had to keep it going, and we did. We struggled but we turned it around.

"I'm mostly involved now with Warwickshire GAA where I run the clubhouse and I maintain the crowds and I've been doing that for the last 10 years. That's where I spend my time and where you meet people."

Martin’s influence stretched beyond the club as he took on important roles at both county and provincial levels. One of his key contributions was helping develop Páirc na hÉireann in Solihull, a vital facility for Gaelic games in the Midlands.

Although retired from playing, Martin remains dedicated to the GAA community, maintaining the clubhouse and grounds at Páirc na hÉireann. His commitment to Gaelic games has left an indelible mark on the region.

Martin shares this honour with his wife Mary, their children Donal, Vincent, and Clara, his sister Martha, and the wider Grogan family, who have all been a source of support throughout his remarkable journey in the GAA.