Derry County Convention 2024

The 2024 Annual County Convention of Derry GAA was held at Owenbeg on Monday 9th December.

Management Committee 2025

The following officers have been elected to serve on the management committee for 2025:

Cathaoirleach/Chairperson: John Keenan (Castledawson)

Leas Cathaoirleach/Vice-Chairperson: Mark Gannon (Limavady)

Runái/Secretary: Danny Scullion (Ballinascreen)

Leas-Runái/Assistant Secretary: Eimhear Mulholland (Castledawson)

Cisteoir/Treasurer: Martin Devlin (Ogra Colmcille)

Oif Chaid Poiblí/Public Relations Officer: Chris Keenan (Newbridge)

Oif Oilúna/Coaching Officer: Hugh McGrath (Steelstown)

Oif Gaeilege agus Cultúir/Officer for Irish Language and Culture: Thomas Close (Glenullin)

Comhairle Uladh/Ulster Council: Mark Gannon (Limavady)

Ard Chomhairle/Central Council: Sean Keane (Glen)

Oif Oiliúint agus Pleanáil/Planning and Training Officer: Mark Chesney (Castledawson)

Oif Leanaí/Children’s Officer: Michelle Friel (Drumsurn)

Oif Sábháilteacht/Safety Officer: Charlie Bonner (Na Magha)

Chairman’s Address

In a wide ranging speech, Derry County Chairman John Keenan told the meeting:

“I am delighted to announce that Derry has been awarded the honor of hosting the National Féile Games in both 2025 and 2026. This prestigious event will allow all our clubs to experience the unique magic of Féile once again. It’s a chance to showcase the strength of our community, the passion of our volunteers, and the sense of belonging that defines us.

“Let us take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary achievement. Derry has won seven All-Ireland Minor football titles in our history. Remarkably, three of those titles have come in the last four years. This is not something we should take for granted. It is a testament to the incredible work happening in our clubs, schools, and development programs. It speaks to the commitment of our players, coaches, and volunteers.

“Unity is the key to everything we do. We are stronger as a collective than we are alone. As we look ahead, we must ensure that the association in this county is left in a better place for our children and their children. That must be our guiding light in every decision we make.

“It is important to acknowledge the additional challenges referees now face due to the implementation of new trial rules. While the decision to introduce these rules has been taken by Congress, it is our opinion that these changes place referees in a particularly difficult position. The interpretation and enforcement of new rules require adaptation, and referees are often thrust into the spotlight during this transition.

“As we proceed through this trial period, I would urge everyone involved—players, mentors, and supporters alike—to remember the critical role of the referee in implementing these changes. Patience and understanding are needed as we all work together to navigate this new landscape. The trial period exists for a reason: to review, learn, and refine. We must remain mindful of this and ensure that referees are supported in their efforts to uphold the integrity of our games.

“As a GAA family, we should all take pride in the recent independent analysis of Gaelic games, which found that the social value of our games is estimated to be worth at least €2.87 billion to Irish society. While this may not be news to us, it is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact we have as an organization. Our model is a volunteer-based one and it is the only reason that the association can claim such benefit to Irish society. Let this inspire us to be bold and forward-looking in our plans for the future.

“Finally, I wish each of you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Let us approach 2025 with energy, unity, and the belief that together we can achieve greatness. These truly are good times for Derry GAA, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.

Secretary Report

County secretary Danny Scullion submitted a comprehensive review of the year and used his report to highlight the ongoing turmoil experienced by the family of Sean Brown:

“It is over twenty-seven years since Sean Brown, the then Chairman of Bellaghy GAA, was abducted and brutely murdered as he locked the gates of his club. To this date, no one has been charged with his murder. The authorities have even failed to conduct a serious and proper inquiry into this murder of a totally innocent man. Derry GAA remains steadfast in its support for the Brown family. Their treatment has been deeply unjust, and we will continue to stand with them in their pursuit of justice, with the backing of the GAA at provincial and national levels.”

Financial Report

Derry County Treasurer Martin Devlin presented the audited annual financial reports. Highlights are follows:

Total Income: £2,192,772

Total Expenditure: £2,094,795

Surplus: £97,977

Strategic Plan

Derry County Chairman, John Keenan, outlined that a strategic plan will be drawn up, leveraging our national and provincial strategic direction. This plan will guide our path over the next five years, ensuring we adapt to a rapidly changing environment while staying true to our mission.  John told the convention that a period of extensive stakeholder engagement will commence early in the new year before bringing our clubs together in May 2025 to discuss and workshop the draft strategy, prior to launch.