Maureen is the first female chair of Down GAA

Maureen is the first female chair of Down GAA

1 January 2025

DOWN GAA created history with the election of their first ever female county chairperson at the annual convention in the Canal Court Hotel.

Approximately 150 delegates were in attendance to witness Maureen O’Higgins, of Liatroim Fontenoys, succeed outgoing chair John Devaney, who had completed his five-year term.

Maureen is a former county development officer and Ulster Council member, who has been county vice-chair for the past five years.

As a player, she won All-Ireland camogie honours with both club and county.

It is a double honour for Maureen's family, with her mother, Rosaleen, serving as president of the Down Camogie Committee.  

The appointment is also a great honour for the Liatroim club, as Maureen follows the late Charlie Keown in becoming the second chairperson to come from the famous Fontenoys.

In his outgoing address, Devaney reflected on his five years in office and highlighted the success in football and hurling, with five trophies, including the Tailteann Cup, coming to Down in 2024. 

The securing of funding for the Ballykinlar development was also one of the highlights of the year.

It will allow the exciting project to come to fruition and Mr Devaney encouraged everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel and ensure that the best facilities are delivered for future generations.

The county convention saw the election of the following officers: 

Chair, Maureen O'Higgins (Liatroim); vice-chair, Patrick Savage (Teconnaught); assistant secretary, Ryan Kelly (Ardglass);

Treasurer, Diarmuid Cahill (An Riocht); assistant treasurer, Michael O Rourke (An Riocht); Ard Comhairle delegate, Conor Watson (Ballygalget); Ulster Council delegate, Mark Doyle (Liatroim);

Ulster Council delegate, Brendan Fitzpatrick (Bryansford); PRO, Paula Magee (Mayobridge); coaching officer, Paddy Hardy (Castlewellan); Irish and cultural officer, Gareth McGreevy (Saul); hurling officer, Liam Quinn (Bredagh). The position of planning and training officer is still to be filled.