Social media 'inaccuracies' lead to John McEniff leaving Donegal GAA PRO role

John McEniff says that ‘some recent inaccuracies’ about him on social media have contributed to his decision to step down as the Donegal County Board’s Public Relations Officer.

The Bundoran clubman confirmed his intention to vacate the role at a meeting of the County Board on Thursday night.

McEniff will remain ‘fully engaged’ as PRO until the completion of the club championships, but will step down head of the annual Donegal GAA Convention in December.

“A mixture of work pressure and some recent inaccuracies concerning me on social media has convinced me to move on,” McEniff said in his monthly report for August.

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“I also feel the position would benefit from a new, fresh and enthusiastic person with more IT skills than me.”

McEniff was appointed as PRO in January 2019, taking over from Ed Byrne after no nominees were put forward at the December 2018 Convention.

He said: “Back in 2019, I had originally seen myself as a stop-gap until a more experienced GAA official could be appointed.

“I am slightly amazed I stayed this long - the job is very rewarding in many ways.”

McEniff paid tribute to the CCC (Competitions Controls Committee), the PR/Marketing Committee, GAA HQ, Ulster Council and ‘many other volunteers’ in announcing that he would not be going forward again.

He has vowed to prepare a ‘comprehensive document for my successor and says he will work alongside Aidan Spence, the IT Officer, in the coming weeks to ensure that the Donegal GAA website is ‘in good shape for 2023’.

Last year, McEniff won the Communications Award at the Ulster GAA President’s Awards.

A nephew of 1992 All-Ireland winning manager Brian McEniff, he has served in a number of roles with his club, Bundoran, most recently as part of Francie Martin’s backroom team in 2018.

McEniff has also been in an array of administrative roles and was a member of the Donegal minor management during Martin Regan’s term as manager.

McEniff previously served four years as PRO of the Southern Regional Board.