RESIGNING…Danny Murphy is stepping aisde

LONG-SERVING Ulster GAA secretary Danny Murphy has announced his retirement from the provincial council.

The Down man was a noted friend of the clubs and had a reputation for having a vast knowledge of procedural structures when it came to funding and grants.

Murphy will step down from his position on February 1, 2017 after 16 years at the head of Ulster GAA. The council will immediately start their search for a successor.

“Ulster GAA Chief Executive and Provincial Secretary Danny Murphy has today announced his decision to retire on 1st February 2017 after sixteen years as the head of the GAA in Ulster,” read a statement.

“To ensure a successful transition Ulster GAA will now begin the process to appoint a successor.”

In a personal message to council members, staff and counties, he spoke of his pride having served for so long.

“It has always been an enormous privilege to have been part of the Ulster Council for the past 35 years and by the time I come to my departure I will have concluded 31 years as an Officer of the Council.

“I have been and will always remain deeply honoured to have served the GAA in Ulster and to have worked with our nine counties. I have been privileged to work with every President from Peter Harte (R.I.P.) to Michael Hasson and have always held the Officerships in the highest esteem.

“A process will be taken forward by Comhairle Uladh in the coming months to appoint my successor, in the meantime I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your county representatives over the years for all your support and work on behalf of the Association during my time as Rúnaí and I know that you will continue to work for the betterment and development of the Association in Ulster.”

Michael Hasson, President of Ulster GAA paid tribute to a career that “made a truly outstanding contribution to the GAA in Ulster and beyond”. Michael thanked Danny for his “service, dedication, leadership & strategic foresight’’ and noted that “Ulster GAA has been extremely fortunate to have Danny work in various roles within the Association for over three decades and I know that he is held in the highest esteem at a national level also. Danny’s legacy will be strong; we respect his decision to retire and wish him well.”