REEL ENDORSED FOR SIXTH YEAR IN POST
Richard Bullick
Sinead Reel was unsurprisingly returned unopposed for a sixth year as county Chairperson at Armagh LGFA’s AGM last week, with the majority of her top team also remaining unchanged going into 2023.
Meigh woman Reel has done an outstanding job since being elected with the development of the ambitious McKeever Park project, an expanding sponsorship portfolio, success for Orchard county teams and a flourishing club scene among the positives of her reign so far.
The 43-year-old, who could conceivably become the first female to lead a single gaelic games governing body at national level further down the line, is always quick to deflect credit to those around her on the County Board’s executive committee.
Michelle Loughran continues as Vice Chair, Patrick Og Nugent as Secretary and Vincent Mallon as Treasurer, though Armagh Harps stalwart Paula Powell Enright has taken over from Margaret McCorry in the Development Officer role.
Enright heads a dynamic Development Committee which, along with Chris Lennon, encouragingly contains four recent county footballers who are now willing to put their shoulder to the wheel behind the scenes to ensure the Orchard keeps blossoming.
The quartet includes 2014 All Star and ex-county captain Mairead Tennyson, the Mullaghbawn duo of Niamh Murphy and Caroline O’Hare, who is also part of the Armagh Minors management team, and Crossmaglen skipper Aveen Donaldson Bellew.
Paula Murphy’s service was recognised as the Grange stalwart stood down as Children’s Officer after a prolonged period, replaced by Anne-Marie Nixon of Wolfe Tones, while the Registrar role has yet to be filled.
Mickey McKenna is retained as Irish and Cultural Officer, with Lennon and Sinead McMahon listed as the Referee Co-ordinators, while a team of four will support Reel on the PR front. Carrickcruppen’s Pat McGuinness continues as Ulster Council delegate.
Chairperson Reel, who will represent Armagh on the LGFA’s Central Council, is encouraging all clubs to get involved in decision-making and has indicated that roles will be found for others willing to volunteer their time and expertise.
