*Photograph: John Mangan
A contest for the position of chairman of Clare GAA is certain after Cratloe’s Jack Chaplin confirmed that he is a candidate for the post.
Outgoing vice chairman PJ McGuane (Cooraclare) had already confirmed that his hat is in the ring to succeed Joe Cooney who completes his five year term in the position.
Whether or not there will be more than two candidates in the race remains to be seen as Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills) has yet to confirm his intentions.
There was surprise on Wednesday as Michael O’Connor (Crusheen) informed clubs he would not be contesting for the role.
Nominees for posts on the executive must confirm by this Friday whether or not they will be allowing their names go forward for election.
Both O’Connor and Frost told The Clare Echo this week that they won’t declare their positions until Friday. Frost is a former board chairman while O’Connor is the board’s current PRO while he is also chairman of his club.
Meanwhile all four nominees for the position of vice chairman, Kieran Keating (Naomh Eoin), Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills), Michael Maher (Kilmaley) and Niall Romer (Kilmaley) have already confirmed that they are seeking election to the position.
There will also be a contest to elect two delegates to represent the county at Munster Council. John Fawl, Bernard Keane and Niall Gilligan are seeking election here. Ennistymon clubman Fawl is currently a delegate while Keane, a former treasurer of the board was narrowly beaten last year. Gilligan was also an unsuccessful candidate last year. A vacancy has arisen as Kieran Keating has completed his three year term on the Provincial body.
Former board officer Michael Lee (Tubber) and former Clare hurler Naoise Jordan (Whitegate) are both nominated for the honorary position of president. Current holder of this post, Padraig McMathuna will complete his two year term at convention which takes place on Tuesday December 15.
