Three Donegal club members have recently been confirmed as new members of GAA National Committees – Julie Galbraith, Martin McHugh and Michelle Bennett.
Julie, a member of CLG Bun Cranncha was appointed to the Central Appeal’s Committee, one of the core structures of the GAA disciplinary procedure. Julie commenced her GAA journey as assistant PRO for Buncrana when she was 16 and has held a number of roles within the club since then. While studying in Dublin Julie also worked in the GAA Museum in Croke Park as a tour guide and latterly as Museum manager. A qualified solicitor she now works in the international law firm Eversheds Sutherland, mainly on HR issues. She is also a regular contributor on Drivetime and the Matt Copper show. Married to former Kildare footballer John she has two daughters Nóra and Ailbhe who are already budding All-Stars.
Martin McHugh from CLG Chill Chartha was appointed to the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) and needs little introduction to Donegal Gaels. Holder of four Donegal Senior Championship and three Ulster Senior Championship medals, centre half forward on Donegal’s first Senior All-Ireland winning side and twice an All-Star, he was also Texaco Footballer of the Year in 1992. More recently he is known for his media career, inter alia, a pundit on BBC and both commentator and analyst on Highland Radio and as father Donegal footballers Ryan – also a two time All-Star – and Mark an All-Ireland winner in 2012.
Michelle Bennett is CLG Dhún na nGall Referees’ Administrator since 2018, a member of CLG Ard an Rátha and recently appointed to the National Referee Development Committee by Larry McCarthy, the new GAA President. No stranger to the clubs of Donegal, Michelle was delighted and honoured at her appointment and relishes the chance to contribute at national level. She has held various positions on the Southern Regional Board and Coiste na nÓg over a seven year period. Also a member of the Ulster Referees Administration Committee, a key contributor to the Referee Development Plan 2018-21 and a member of the focus groups promoting referee recruitment and retention, Michelle brings considerable experience to her new role.
The three debutants in Croke Park will not be without support as Donegal is honoured to have four existing representatives. Sean Dunnion (Na Ceithre Maistir) who was Chairperson of the IT Committee last year is now on the Central Hearings Committee; Seamus O’Donaill (Cloich Cheann Fhaola) is chairperson of the National Infrastructure Committee; Niall Erskine (Na Cealla Beaga) is chairperson of the World Games Committee; and, Gary Duffy (Bun Cranncha) is entering his fourth year on the Child Safeguarding Committee. Niall and Seamus are also members of the National Financial Management Committee.
Comghairdeas to all seven and CLG Dhún na nGall wish them all well in 2021.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Thu 15th Apr
