COMMENT: Steady hand on the tiller can get GAA integration done
Tommy Callaghan discusses the integration of GAA, LGFA and Camogie and why former Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael John Horan could be the man for the job
It’s all gone very quiet on the integration front since herself, former President Mary McAleese, decided she had enough of it, not only did she throw the toys out of the pram but she threw herself out along with them.
Probably the biggest mistake that was made was putting a time frame on bringing the negotiations to a conclusion.
It was very optimistic to think or believe the three bodies could get everything tied up, everything agreed in a certain time and then suddenly the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association would be all one big happy family. Don’t think life works like that.
No doubt Mary McAleese had her time frame and when she realised it was not going to be reached, or even come close to reaching it, she decided this is not for me, I’m out of here. Such is life.
The former law professor at Queen's University Belfast has fought, and fought on many issues throughout her distinguished career, winning some, losing some, whether that be up north, down here or wherever.
One of her big successes was gaining a surprise Fianna Fáil nomination to run for The Park, upsetting former Taoiseach, the late Albert Reynolds in the process, and then being elected.
That was a fair victory (the nomination) coming in from the cold as it were, not even a card carrying member of FF yet getting the nod from the Soldiers Of Destiny back in 1997.
Of course there was - hardly a surprise here - a lot of politics at play at that time.
Remember it was that great wheeler and dealer Bertie Ahern who was Taoiseach at the time, who brought Mary in from nowhere, now if anyone could pull a stroke (totally legit of course) it was the bauld Bertie.
If memory serves me correctly on the night Mary won the nomination, Albert Reynolds, also seeking the nomination, said he knew his goose was cooked when Bertie ‘accidentally’ turned over his voting paper on the top table to reveal Albert’s name on it.
The Longford man knew instantly Mary (and Bertie) had the numbers. If Mary McAleese thought politics was full of shocks and surprises, she soon realised so is the GAA.
So when she walked away from her role as chair of the integration body, those in authority had to go in search of a new leader, a new driving force to take up the baton.
And the replacement chairperson? No it is not a native of Mayo. Or indeed a former army officer, but a person who has led the Association in the past.
John Horan has taken up the hot seat as the new Chair of the SGI, or to you and me, the Steering Group on Integration.
No doubt Jarlath Burns whose term of office as GAA President is due to come to an end in February, will be more than happy to see ‘his’ man’agree to step in and steer the ship.
A Dub, he was President of the GAA from 2018 to 2021 having served, as is the norm, Uachtarán Tofa (vice-president) for the previous few years; and was Leinster Council Chairman from 2014 and 2017.
A member of the Na Fianna GAA Club, a club that has embraced integration with the Ladies and Camogie so he is well used to dealing with the various factions within a club environment, but this a task of a different colour.
This is not the first time the GAA has turned to Mr Horan to steer a ship that has gone onto muddy waters.
John was appointed to the Board of Pairc Uí Chaoimh when it ran into some financial difficulties; is presently involved with the redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann in Navan while also involved with the new stadium presently being built by Louth Co. Board in Dundalk.
A teacher in a school steeped in the GAA, St Vincent’s CBS, ending up as Principal at the Glasnevin establishment. So really and truly a genuine GAA man, from his playing days, to his coaching days before becoming one of the best known GAA administrators in the country.
To say John Horan is a safe pair of hands is an understatement of huge proportions.
Known as a listener, as a negotiator, as a facilitator it will be interesting to see how he manages not just to bring the LGFA and the Camogie Association together but how he will marry the two groups with those in authority in Croke Park. John Horan will not be in a hurry unlike his predecessor, to get this over the line.
There will be no throwing the toys out of the pram and will certainly not walk away until the job is complete. And while it will take some time, it will be done. And remember it is the GAA who will have the final yea or nay on it; nobody will admit it but that is the way it will be; the others will automatically follow.
Remember and despite what has been said this is all about finance, all about the money, again not spoken of publicly, but finance is at the heart of all it, and in fairness that is very understandable. Remember it is the GAA that generates the moola, always was and always will be.
The GAA is responsible for Croke Park, Pairc Uí Caoimh, Semple Stadium, not to mention Casement Park and the rest, either at county or national level.
It may take 12 months, 24 months or even 36 months (as the present Uachtarán Tofa, Derek Kent of Wexford has said prior to Mary vacating the pram) but it matters not.
The job will be done but even when it is agreed it will still take some time before we see a fully functioning integrated association between the three bodies.
And getting this over the line will surely be the icing on the cake of John Horan’s GAA legacy. So it is full steam ahead as the three families will one one, sooner rather than later.