APPOINTMENT…Brian McAvoy will take over from the departing Danny Murphy

ULSTER GAA has confirmed that Down man Brian McAvoy will take over as secretary following Danny Murphy’s departure.

The duo will work together in order to accommodate the transition later in the year.

The Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association has today announced the appointment of Mr. Brian McAvoy, as the new Provincial Secretary and Chief Executive of Ulster GAA,” a statement read.

“The appointment follows the recent recruitment process to find a successor to Dr. Danny Murphy, who announced his decision to retire in August.

“Dr. Murphy will continue as Chief Executive until Mr McAvoy takes up his position later in the year. During the transition period both Danny and Brian will work collaboratively together until the formal change over in February 2017.

“Brian, who is a member of St. Mary’s GAC, Burren, is a former secretary of the Down County Committee and is a highly experienced GAA official.

“A civil servant by profession, he has worked at the heart of government affairs in recent years and has served as Principal Information Officer in a number of government departments including The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. He is currently Head of the Government Advertising Unit.”