Following their annual Congress at the weekend, the Camogie Association now have their first male President in their history, leaving many wondering - who is Brian Molloy?
The inaugural male Uachtarán was ratified at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare, where over 150 delegates were in attendance and various motions were debated, including one which saw skorts remain in place over shorts for players.
The first male Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, was ratified at the Camogie Association annual Congress, which took place this weekend at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, Co. Kildare. 🙌https://t.co/r9EFbdZkB8#OurGameOurPassion#CamogieCongress2024 pic.twitter.com/XMCS2K8auD
— The Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) April 6, 2024
Who is Brian Molloy replacing?
Outgoing president Hilda Breslin’s term lasted four years, with particular media scrutiny having honed in during her final weeks thanks to the announcement that there will be full integration between all of the GAA organisations by 2027.
Gaelic games integration explained, how will the merging of three organisations actually work!?
🎙️ @acunnane10
Find out right here ⬇️#GAA #LGFA #camogie pic.twitter.com/qC4j13t4Ln— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) February 23, 2024
Who is Brian Molloy? What’s his background?
Brian Molloy hails from Lanesboro, County Longford, and as mentioned will be the first male President in the Camogie Association’s 120 year history, and the 32nd President overall.
Starting out as PRO and Co Board delegate to his home club of Ballinderreen, he has previously worked as Connacht Camogie Chairperson, Galway County Board PRO and Connacht Provincial Council PRO.
He attended St Mel's College secondary school and will now hope to to his club, county, as well as family (wife Vivienne, daughters Ciara and Aisling, mother Kathleen) proud in his tenure.
Congrats to Brian Molloy from Ballinderreen Camogie Club who has officially become the Uachtaráin of the Camogie Association this evening at the Annual Congress!
Brian makes history on becoming the first male president of the association.
All in Galway Camogie would pic.twitter.com/qs5bJfxHxt— Official Galway Camogie (@GalwayCamogie96) April 6, 2024
What did Brian Molloy say when he was ratified as President?
At the Congress, Molloy addressed the delegates in attendance, outlining his thoughts upon his appointment.
“This is a very special moment and indeed an historic moment for our Association, as I am the first male to be elected president of the Association in its 120 year history,” he says.
“I am very proud to take on this role and very grateful to have been given this opportunity to lead the Camogie Association. We have a fantastic game that is a fundamental part of Irish culture.
Integration with the GAA and the LGFA has long been on the agenda within the Camogie Association. We have been consistently in favour of integration and steadfast in our belief that the new combined and fully integrated singular Gaelic Games Association will be a stronger, more balanced Association.
There are some steps towards integration that we can start to take right now. It starts with all three associations adopting an integrated mindset and reflecting that in their decisions and engagements now. We still tackle our day to day challenges but we tackle the challenges through the prism of how we would operate if we were already integrated”.
🤔 What will integration mean for equality amongst the gaelic games family?
We asked each association’s president yesterday!
🎙️ @acunnane10
💬“Equality for a girl from the very first time she steps foot on a pitch she will be treated the same” 👏 #GAA #camogie #LGFA pic.twitter.com/n4gdpmejKE— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) February 21, 2024
The outgoing Breslin also shared her thoughts, wishing her colleague all the best in the role.
“As Brian Molloy comes in as Uachtaran of the Camogie Association, I want to wish him all the best as we look to the future,” she says.
“Let’s value all our players for the part they will play in our Association now and beyond. Let’s make our clubs even more inclusive communities, building a foundation for lifelong enjoyment, participation and support for Camogie.”
Finally, with the view to integration looming, fellow newly appointed President, Jarlath Burns, of the GAA, also briefed those present.
“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing President Hilda Breslin for her commitment to the process. I look forward to working with the new President Brian Molloy in the near future,” he says.
“The new Hurling Development Committee will work hard to create new hurling and camogie clubs in areas where there is currently room for development. The GAA will ensure the association is ready to face the challenges and opportunities that full integration presents for Gaelic games across the globe.”
Delighted to welcome Uachtarán of @officialgaa Jarlath Burns to Camogie Congress 2024👏🏻#OurGameOurPassion#CamogieCongress2024 pic.twitter.com/6IPJBbwnED
— The Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) April 6, 2024
