Derry County Convention 2025

The 2025 Annual County Convention of Derry GAA was held at Owenbeg on Monday 8th December.

Management Committee 2026

The following officers have been elected to serve on the management committee for 2026:

• 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 / Communications 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 Delegates: Mark Gannon (Limavady) & Mark Chesney (Castledawson)
• Ard Chomhairle / Central Council Delegate: 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 his address to the 2025 Derry GAA Annual Convention, Chairman John Keenan began by honouring all Derry Gaels who passed away during 2025, recognising their contribution to the county’s identity. He celebrated Glenullin’s Ulster Intermediate title and Slaughtneil’s continued hurling success, noting that Derry clubs are raising standards and pride across the county.

Keenan thanked the many groups who underpin Derry GAA: stewards and gate personnel, sponsors, Club Derry members, the Derry Business Forum, and the streaming team led by Chris Keenan. He paid special tribute to Paddy Tally for guiding the senior footballers through a difficult period, and acknowledged players, managers, coaches, and educational partners for their role in developing talent. He also recognised Chris Collins’ long service and praised his successor, Killian Conlon.

John commended the work of sub-committees and highlighted the Football Review Committee for restoring simplicity and balance to the game. On integration, he stressed that progress depends on shared responsibility and a unified approach.

Financial discipline, he said, is essential, urging clubs to seek early guidance and avoid unsustainable spending. Looking ahead, modernising Celtic Park and Owenbeg will be key to meeting player and supporter needs.

Keenan identified three core challenges: discipline, infrastructure, and managing the growth of participation. He emphasised long-term planning, player welfare, good governance, and keeping clubs at the heart of decision-making.

He concluded by affirming Derry’s strength, ambition, and unity, encouraging all to move forward together with pride and purpose.

Secretary Report

County secretary Danny Scullion submitted a comprehensive review of the year and used his report to highlight one of the most significant moments in Derry in 2025; the show of solidarity for the family of the murdered Sean Brown.

“One of the most significant moments of the year was the large gathering in Bellaghy in support of the campaign for justice for Sean Brown. The turnout displayed the unity and determination of our GAA community and reaffirmed our commitment to truth and accountability. I wish to express our sincere gratitude to Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, for his ongoing support for the Brown family and his leadership on this vital matter.”

Financial Report

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

Income: £2,251,751

Net Operating Expenditure: £2,104,318

Operating Surplus: £147,433