Aogán Ó Fearghail (pronounced [ˈiːɡaːn̪ˠ oː ˈfʲaɾˠɣiːlʲ]; born 1959) is an Irish sports administrator who was the 38th president of the Gaelic Athletic Association. [1]
From Maudabawn, Drumgoon in County Cavan, Ó Fearghail was the first Cavan president in the 130-year history of the GAA. [2] He became the seventh man from Ulster to have acquired the role. [3]
Ó Fearghail was elected to the position at the 2014 GAA Congress in Dublin. Out of a total vote of 310, he received 170 votes, while Sheamus Howlin from Wexford came second with 83 and Seán Walsh of Kerry came third with 57. [4] [5]
Ó Fearghail officially took over as GAA president on 28 February 2015 at the GAA's Annual Congress at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan, [1] and was succeeded by John Horan. [6]
Ó Fearghail worked his way from his native Drumgoon Éire Óg club, serving at all levels with club, county, province and at national level.[ citation needed] As a GAA coach, he coached his club Drumgoon Eire Og under-12s for 25 years, and built the club from junior "also-rans" to one of Cavan's strongest club units.[ citation needed] He played hurling with Erins Hope at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, and has also played handball at the highest levels.[ citation needed]
Ó Fearghail is a member of the HSE, [7] and was previously a primary school principal at St Patrick's National School, Dernakesh, in his native parish of Drumgoon in Cavan, and also runs many businesses with his wife.[ citation needed]
Together they managed the family shop and post office and jointly built and ran a Cultural Centre in County Cavan.[ citation needed] Ó Fearghail has published local histories and is a contributor to historical seminars and heritage events. He was also for many years principal of a Gaeltacht summer college in Gortahork, County Donegal, where he spends much free time.[ citation needed]