President of Ulster Council Tom Daly gets backing of Peter Quinn for GAA top job
Coverage of the grand opening in the Donegal News.
Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh now one of the best pitches in county
President of Ulster Council Tom Daly gets backing of Peter Quinn for GAA top job
Donegal slip down to Sligo defeat
By Chris McNulty in Ballyshannon
Tom Daly received the backing of former GAA President Peter Quinn to follow in his footsteps and lead the Association in the coming years when the Fermanagh man spoke at the official opening of Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Friday night.
Quinn was one of the guest speakers on the night which marked the opening of the fine facility, a project which was driven by Daly, a native of Ballyshannon who is currently President of the Ulster Council.
Mr Quinn congratulated the Aodh Ruadh Club, who he said showed everything good about the Association and after praising Daly's leadership qualities, he said: "My wish is that he will be showing leadership at national level in the next three years as President of Cumman Luthcleas Gael."
It was the strongest suggestion yet that Daly could run for Presidency. The Aodh Ruadh man has one year left to run as President of the Provincial Council. The contest to succeed Cork man Christy Cooney as GAA President will be held at Congress in 2010 and while Daly has not commented publicly on the matter it is believed that he would be keen to run for the highest ranking position at Croke Park.
The comments of Quinn in Ballyshannon on Friday night will give his hopes of becoming Donegal's first President of the Association a big boost should he decide to go forward.
Meanwhile, Quinn lambasted the 'new industry' in Ireland that is 'based on criticising the economy and the country.'
He said: "The reality is that whinging will change nothing. The only way things will change is if people stand up and put their money where their mouths are and show conviction and aspiration like they have done here. That's what Aodh Ruadh have done here and fair play to them for that."
In a challenge match that followed the official opening of the new facility, Donegal were beaten by Sligo 1-13 to 2-14 in a game that marks the final outing for John Joe Doherty's team before Sunday week's quarter final against Antrim.