McShea's Say: Noreen Doherty was a lighthouse in guiding Donegal GAA into the future

When Noreen Doherty became Donegal Country Secretary, her appointment made history.  

The year was 1991, that was also the year that “Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal” enjoyed a strong run in Ireland’s top ten for Goats Don’t Shave and was subsequently to become Donegal GAA’s adopted anthem. 

Noreen’s time as County Secretary and County Administrator has spanned the life of nine Taoisigh, from Charlie Haughey to Simon Harris, and three Irish Presidents, from Mary Robinson to Michael D Higgins. This was all happening during a period of seismic societal, cultural, and GAA change in County Donegal.  

Ireland's total tax revenue in 1991 was £10.6bn, while in recent days our Minister for Finance Jack Chambers affirmed that our Tax Revenue target for 2024 of £97.5bn, would be achieved, a tenfold increase on 1991. 

Our county population has grown from 128,000 in 1991 to 167,000 as recorded in our most recent census in 2022. Letterkenny had an urban population of 10,726 in that year, while the 2022 census recorded a population of 22,549. 

All of these simply highlight the depth and breadth of change we have experienced since 1991, and all the while Donegal GAA has consistently and unrelentingly benefitted from Noreen Doherty’s great leadership and influence.  

One of the great features of every GAA county is its democratic nature which leads to the appointment of their Chairperson and County Board. We witnessed this recently during Mary Coughlan's appointment. Noreen Doherty has led as the navigator and lighthouse in the effective and efficient administration management of Donegal GAA across the county.  

In every facet of GAA activity Noreen Doherty’s absolute vocational commitment to the association and its betterment has been exemplary. She uniquely was at the helm during our All-Ireland wins in 1992 and 2012, something she greatly cherishes. 

Her natural emotional intelligence with empathy for the GAA and its community pulse, is a hallmark that Club Officers have consistently experienced. Respect, integrity, and a calm temperament are her disposition she employed, not always easy within the GAA pitch markings where opinions differ, and tempers may flare.  

Throughout her great voyage, commencing as club secretary at MacCumhaills’ and representing Donegal at Ulster Council, Noreen has had the brilliant support of her husband Aidan.  

Her GAA upbringing in the McGowan homestead with brothers PJ, former Donegal player and manager, Noel, and Paddy provided a GAA induction second to none. Her sisters Mary and Ann have assisted her throughout her outstanding career, while next-generation nieces Lynn McGowan and Imelda Collum are there to take the GAA baton forward.  

It is most appropriate we salute, pay tribute to, and thank Noreen Doherty for her commitment and contribution to Donegal GAA. It takes unique skills and personal attributes to navigate the county GAA waters for so many years.  

Noreen’s mantra ‘Every Day Is A Learning Day’ has been her additional philosophy throughout, as a powerful navigator and lighthouse for Donegal.