O’Riordan appointed as Limerick GAA’s first full-time secretary

ALMOST two years after Jimmy Hartigan did a u-turn and declined the offer to become Limerick GAA’s first full-time secretary Mike O’Riordan (Kilmallock) is to be appointed to the newly-created paid position.


After an executive meeting of Limerick GAA officers last night, PRO Helen Cross confirmed that Kilmallock native Mike O’Riordan was the selected candidate after the interview process.
“This evening, the Limerick County Board are delighted to announce the appointment of a full-time secretary to Limerick GAA - that is Michael O’Riordan of Kilmallock GAA,” said the County Board PRO.
“He will take up office over the next couple of weeks and will be based at the Limerick Gaelic Grounds,” said Cross.
The appointment brings to an end a two and a half year saga.
Back at annual convention in 2005 Limerick GAA was among the most progressive counties when club delegates voted in favour of creating the paid post of County Board Secretary.
The initial job advert appeared in newspapers prior to Christmas 2006 - three people applied for the job and in March 2007, the position was offered to long-serving secretary Jimmy Hartigan.
However, the Ballybrown man performed a surprise u-turn and declined the job and the idea of a full-time official was then shelved for over 12 months.
Limerick GAA chairman Liam Lenihan reopened the process before Christmas.
There was a large number of job applicants and five were interviewed.
O’Riordan has been Limerick GAA secretary for the last 16 months, taking over from Jimmy Hartigan, who had over 20 years service.
The 33 year old has worked as a sales representative with a Co. Tipperary-based builder providers firm.
O’Riordan served as club secretary of Kilmallock for five years before been elevated to the County Board.
He is also Limerick GAA’s delegate to Munster Council.
“I’m delighted to have been appointed,’’ O’Riordan told the Limerick Chronicle.
“It’s a challenge but one I am looking forward to very much.”
O’Riordan is expected to officially take up his role after the April 14 meeting of Limerick County Board.
Elsewhere, the restructured All-County Hurling League gets underway tonight (7.00) at over 15 venues across Limerick
County Hurling champions Adare are at home to neighbours Croom, while league champions Doon begin the defence of their crown with a visit to east Limerick rivals, Ahane.
Patrickswell play host to Na Piarsaigh, while Claughaun welcome Murroe-Boher to Childers Road.
In the lower grades, there are two local derbies in the city, with Mungret hosting Monaleen and Crecora hosting St Patricks.

Jerome O’Connell