"It's an enormous privilege" - Burns on GAA Presidency
February 18, 2023
Newly elected GAA President Jarlath Burns is congratulated on his election by his sons Jarlath Og Burns and Conall Burns ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Jarlath Burns spoke of the “enormous privilege” he felt after being elected the GAA’s new President last night.
The former Armagh captain won on the first count, claiming 158 votes defeating fellow candidates Pat Teehan of Offaly (70) and GAA World Chair Niall Erskine (49).
In a brief acceptance speech, Burns said his new role is one that carries “immense responsibility”.
"It's an enormous privilege but it carries with it an immense responsibility," the President-elect is quoted saying by RTE Sport.
"Particularly if you're from the six counties. I will exercise that as responsibly as I possibly can in everything I say and everything I do.
"We have six very important values in our Association. Community, amateur status, respect, player welfare, inclusion, and keeping all our volunteers. It will be my job to defend those values. I will do so to the best of my ability.
"Leadership is exhilarating and it can be very frustrating. Particularly when the organisation you're leading is called the Gaelic Athletic Association.
"I will need your help to do it, I will need your support to do it, because you all know what my very clear agenda is and I will do my best to pursue it in the three years I have in this incredible organisation, the GAA, where we all belong."
Burns is set to officially take over from Larry McCarthy at next year’s Congress.
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