Derek Kent is set to succeed Jarlath Burns and become the 42nd president of the GAA after delegates voted in the opening session of the GAA’s annual Congress at Croke Park on Friday.

The Wexford man won 169 out of the 277 votes to surpass the 139 required and defeat Tipperary's Ger Ryan (76) and John Murphy (32) of Sligo for victory on the first count.

He will serve a three-year term from 2027.

Kent previously served as Wexford county board chairman from 2017 to 2020 and has been chairman of the Leinster Council since 2023.

He also chaired the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) for three years.

He's set to be the third Wexford native to become GAA president after Michael Kehoe (1949-52) and Patrick Breen (1924-26).

All in all, a total of 25 motions are set to go before the floor at Congress at GAA HQ this weekend.

BREAKING NEWS: Derek Kent was elected Uachtarán Tofa of the #GAA at Annual Congress this evening.
The @OfficialWexGAA native will become the 42nd President of the Association at next year’s Annual Congress. #GAABelong pic.twitter.com/fAo23tUUoR

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 27, 2026

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