Hero’s welcome for first Northside GAA President

THE first Northside GAA president was given a rousing reception at a recent informal celebration in his honour at Na Fianna GAA Club on Mobhi Road, Glasnevin.

Uachtarán Tofa Chumann Luthchleas Gael, John Horan, was joined by his wife, Paula, and sons Jack and Liam, for the event marking his successful election at GAA Congress in Croke Park.

Clearly overwhelmed by the size and warmth of the welcome, the Horan family were special guests of honour on a night attended by many of John’s friends, as well as club officials past and present.

Those joining in the celebrations included Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae Áth Cliath Seán Shanley, Rúnaí Coiste Chontae Áth Cliath John Costello and incoming Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean Jim Bolger.

On arrival at Na Fianna, the Horan family were met by a guard of honour of 60 boys from Na Fianna’s 2005 and 2008 groups.
The boys were particularly impressed by the interest shown by an Uachtarán Tofa as he took the time to shake the hand of each boy as he entered the reception.

Colum Cronin, Cathaoirleach CLG Na Fianna, congratulated John on behalf of the club on his marvellous achievement of reaching the highest office in the GAA.

“In 2015, when Na Fianna was celebrating the Club’s 60th anniversary, we had a special night here when our guests of honour Uachtaráin Cumann Luthchleas Gael Aogán O Fearghail and John sat next to each other and the speculation on the night was whether we were witnessing the current and future GAA Presidents together in Na Fianna, and we were proven right,” Colum said.

Club stalwart and founder member, Jimmy Gray, himself a one-time candidate for the office of Uachtarán CLG, spoke of John’s contribution to the Northside club over the years, including his playing days with Na Fianna.
“As far as I am aware, John Horan is the first Dublin born President of the Association,” he said.

“The often quoted Daniel McCarthy who held the office from 1921-1924, certainly represented Dublin but as far as I know he was a Corkman.”

John began his own speech with the simple line “it’s great to be home” to which the local audience reacted appropriately.

“Everywhere I’ve travelled in the last number of months I have always started by saying that I come from Na Fianna in Glasnevin,” he said.

“I suppose Na Fianna always had three traits. It’s the club motto and it was always on your membership. ‘Purity in your heart, strength in your limbs and action according to your words’.

“That was something that was always drilled into you as a young lad in Na Fianna. I am a proud club man and Na Fianna and all it represents and stands for has made me the man that I am.”

John Horan begins his three year term of office in February 2018. Three previous GAA presidents represented Dublin since 1884, the first being Dublin South Sinn Fein TD, Daniel McCarthy who held the post from 1921 to 1924.

Tipperary man, Sean Ryan, who played both hurling and football for UCD was President from 1928 to 1932 and the last Dublin representative was JJ Stuart from 1958-61 who hailed from Co Clare but was vice-chairman of the Dublin county committee.