2025 Presidential Race, 2 GAA Figures vying.
By Noel Dundon
I have something of a proclamation to make. After long, soul-searching conversations with family and friends, I have resolved that this is not my moment to stride into the Presidential race. My name will not be cast into the ring. I am truly sorry to disappoint so many of you.
And no—it has nothing to do with the circus the campaign is fast becoming, a stage verging on farce, an embarrassment if we dare call it plainly. You may wonder, then, why politics has suddenly found its way into THE VIEW column. The explanation is simple—two towering figures of the GAA over the last two decades now stand as contenders, vying to be the ones to greet the gladiators of All-Ireland Final day in Croke Park.
There is former President Sean Kelly, now an MEP and by every account a gentleman of integrity. He is remembered most as the President who tore down Rule 42, opening the gates of GAA grounds to rugby and soccer. But his fingerprints stretch further: he presided as the GPA took its first steps, introduced the President’s Awards, and oversaw the birth of the Nicky Rackard, Tommy Murphy, and Christy Ring Cups. Under his stewardship, Croke Park reached its glorious redevelopment and the Croke Park hotel rose from the ground.
Long before the Presidency, Kelly steered the Kerry County Board and Munster Council, cutting his teeth in the rough-and-tumble of GAA politics—if such a thing were not already political enough! Since 2009 he has served as MEP, earning nearly 123,000 first preferences in the last election, a staggering 18%.
Then enters Jim Gavin, Dublin’s legendary former footballer and masterful manager, blessed with the Taoiseach’s endorsement and trailed by Ministers scrambling to bask in his glow. Gavin is new to the national political stage—though steeped in the intrigues of GAA politics—but like Kelly, he possesses a rare instinct to succeed, to shape, to conquer. His seventeen trophies with Dublin, including six All-Ireland senior titles, attest to that. He even claimed an All-Ireland as a player.
Gavin, too, has left his mark on the game itself, helping usher in rules that rescued football from a monotonous, joyless cycle of handpassing and sterility. His blueprint breathed life back into a dying sport, and the game now soars once again.
Speaking of soaring—he has flown high indeed. A senior officer in the Air Corps, with UN peacekeeping service to his name, Gavin now stands as Ireland’s chief guardian of aviation safety. His credentials are beyond reproach.
Both men are builders, movers, changers—restless spirits
who thrive on reshaping the world around them. How such doers will fit within the ceremonial trappings of the Presidency is another question. But that challenge is theirs, not ours. We can only wish them, and all who step forward, the best in the battle ahead.
Given the GAA’s deep imprint on this nation’s life, perhaps it was inevitable that candidates would one day be drawn from its bloodline. Current President Jarlath Burns was even whispered about before he doused the speculation. Many great GAA figures, like countless other sports stars, have resisted the lure of Áras an Uachtaráin. Yet, where are the voices from beyond Gaelic games? No whispers of John Treacy, Sonia O’Sullivan, or Eamonn Coghlan? No rugby legends—Donal Lenihan, Hugo McNeill, Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell? No soccer icons—Niall Quinn, Packie Bonner? No golfers—Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington? Imagine the boost to diplomacy if a President Harrington teed up alongside Donald Trump!
Who else will gallop forth from the sporting stables? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—do not attempt to sway me. My decision is final.
Masters of the House.
Who dares say Tipperary cannot strike back-to-back All-Ireland glory? Just look to our Masters hurlers—champions of Ireland for the second year running, rolling back the decades to topple Wexford on their own soil last weekend. Magnificent stuff, lads.
The Masters championship may have been born as a light-hearted gathering, a chance for former warriors to reunite, share laughter and stories, and relive the old camaraderie. But once the boots are laced and the jerseys pulled tight, something ancient stirs—the blood quickens, the edge sharpens, and suddenly the clash carries real weight. That is the essence of hurling; it cannot be tamed. And now, the tantalising question looms—could three-in-a-row be on the horizon? No pressure, gentlemen.
Senior Football Championship.
The FBD Insurance county senior football championship is taking shape with wins this weekend for Loughmore Castleiney, Kilsheelan Kilcash, Upperchurch Drombane, Moyle Rovers, Clonmel Commercials and Grangemockler Ballyneale while Cahir and Ballyporeen shared the spoils in the only draw of the round. The third outings in the round robin will decide the fate of the clubs but with two wins from two, Loughmore Castleiney, Commercials, Kilsheelan Kilcash and Moyle Rovers would appear to be in the driving seats right now.