By Chris McNulty
PJ McGowan, in his first address to Donegal's 40 GAA Clubs after being elected as the County Board's new Chairman, has said that he believes the future of Gaelic Games in the County is bright.
The Ballybofey man, who succeeded Sean Kelly in the top position in the County Executive yesterday afternoon, warned that there are many challenges that will await the Officials in the next twelve months.
"I realise that there are a number of structures in the County that could do with a leg up, with improvement and my task is to try to get the various organizations and sub committees working in the best way," the Raphoe-based school principal said.
"I know it's a week after the Budget and it tends to be a very gloomy time. There's a lot of doom and gloom in the air, but I don't think like that. I would be a very positive-minded person and I want those arround me to be positive and look forward.
"We have a great organisation in Donegal, there is a tremendous will, tremendous workers and tremendous history. I want to foster that ane develop that. I say the future is bright, even though we have a number of challenges ahead."
A former County player and manager, McGowan said he wanted to carry on the attitude he has in his job as principal of Deele College in Raphoe. With 62 people under him in the Raphoe school, McGowan said that he took advice and council from them all, allowing them point him in the right direction.
He Said: "I intend to carry out the same ethos in Cumann Luthcleas Gael Dhun na nGall. I will take advice and guidance form the clubs, from the Executive and from yourselves.
"I will try to lead as best I can, encouraging initiative and I hope that whatever time I leave as Chairman that I will leave the GAA in Donegal in a healthy state.
"What is ahead of us is very challenging. We have a huge amount of work to do, not alone in Convoy, which will require a lot of finance to be raised even with the grants we will receive, and it will need hard work from everyone - not just from the top table. Hopefully we can get full co-operation from everyone to bring the development to pass."
McGowan was elected Chairman without opposition yesterday, confirming a natural progressing, with the Sean MacCumhaills clubman having served as Vice Chairman for the last number of years.
He Told Delegates That He 'Felt Privileged' To Be Elected On 'A Historic Day, In A Historic Year.' He Added: "I hope that in the coming year, during my tenure as Chairman, we will be absolutely honest and frank with each and every club, that we will tell it is and I would ask all members of the Executive to do the same."
Eddie Walsh, representing the Sean MacCumhaills club, congratulated his fellow clubman in being elevated to the position, while Cormac McGarvey from Naomh Mhuire said that he expected McGowan to 'make a great success of the job.'
And Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh, Who Worked Alongside Mcgowan On The Ccc For The Last Two Years, Said It Was A 'Great Day For The Gaa In Donegal.' He Commented: "This is a great day for the GAA in Donegal. I know that he will be one of the best Chairmen in this county. I have been privileged to work with him over the last two years; he's been a rock of strength.
"If he does half as well as Chairman as he did as Chairman of the Fixtures Committee, we're in very good hands."
