The GAA has announced the recipients for Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025. These prestigious annual awards, organised with the support of AIB and broadcast by TG4, are made by GAA President Jarlath Burns to acknowledge outstanding commitment and long service across the club and county network. The awards are a cross-section of people who have shared the common theme of providing extraordinary service and commitment to the development of Gaelic games. There are provincial, educational, and Irish language awards, as well as awards recognising contributions made to Ladies football, Camogie, World GAA, and Handball. The Dermot Earley Family Award recipients are The McGrath Family from Sarsfields GAA Club, Galway.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “It is often said that while the GAA is about Games, it is, in truth, always about people. These awards present us with an opportunity to shine a light on a small group of inspirational people who in their own right are ambassadors for the thousands of volunteers who power the GAA. “I am delighted that for my first Gradaim an Uachtaráin we have assembled a diverse list of people who each have made a lasting contribution to ensuring that the promotion of Gaelic games go from strength to strength. I congratulate all of our worthy recipients and wish to acknowledge the support of TG4 and AIB for this scheme.” The GAA President’s Awards (Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2024) will be broadcast this Friday night live on TG4 at 7.30pm
Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025
THE DERMOT EARLEY FAMILY AWARD
THE MCGRATH FAMILY, SARSFIELDS GAA, GALWAY
Sarsfields remains one of the most respected hurling and camogie clubs in the country. Several families have contributed to the Sarsfields cause throughout the years, with the McGraths' occupying a central part in the success story.
Michael 'Hopper' McGrath's greatness as a player was underlined during a golden era for Galway with two All-Ireland senior medals gleaned in 1987 and 1988. There was plenty of silverware collected in Sarsfields' colours too, with five Galway SHC titles and two AIB All-Ireland club triumphs.
The links with that cherished Sarsfields team and the camogie outfit of the modern era are extremely strong.
'Hopper' McGrath has managed Sarsfields to glory on the local and national stage illustrated by eight Galway Camogie Championships in a row.
Remarkably, six McGrath sisters featured in Sarsfields' comprehensive AIB All-Ireland Camogie Final win over Truagh/Clonlara at Croke Park in December.
It was Sarsfields' fourth victory in that competition during the last decade, while they were beaten in four finals.
Throughout that spell, Niamh, Clodagh, Orlaith, Siobhan, Ciara, and Laoise delivered for Sarsfields.
Off the field of play, their mother Geraldine (nee Kilkelly), a former Irish hockey international, has assisted in the development of camogie at both club and county level in various administrative roles.
These are particularly exciting and rewarding times for Sarsfields. The McGraths continue to make a significant sporting impact.
BRiAN MCCABE, ULSTER
From Currin Sons of St Patrick, the oldest club in Monaghan and second oldest club in Ulster, Brian McCabe has recently stepped down after 65 years of continued service as treasurer, during which time he selflessly dedicated himself to then development of the club.
Hailing from Cloncorrick, Newtownbutler, one of the club’s townlands which is situated across the border in County Fermanagh, Brian played with Currin and in 1958 at the AGM was elected Treasurer, a role his father John had held in the 1920’s. The accounts book he inherited showed a balance of 13 shillings and nine pence.
Beyond keeping a check on the finances Brian has always been at the helm in trying to make the club the best it can be. He has overseen the purchase and development of impressive facilities at a significant cost and last year saw the opening of a new stand by the Iar Uachtarán Larry Mc Carthy. His knowledge and expertise will be put to good use in his role as Assistant Treasurer.
JOAN KEOGH, MUNSTER
An ever-present in the Sixmilebridge Club for more than 20 years, Joan has supported the club in various roles from managing different functions and projects, running bingo nights, church gate collections and managing the shop.
From the humble beginnings of a Club representative in a Senior Scór Quiz team in the 80s, to a Presidential Award in 2025, for Joan this has been a journey of a lifetime.
Joan joined the top table of the club in 2010 and has been a tireless servant ever since. In 2016 one of the biggest redevelopment projects ever undertaken by the Club was launched, and Joan was central to the project reaching its opening in October 2023, despite the many obstacles that arose during the Covid years. Today the Arena is almost debt free. From Bingo on a Monday night, Club Lotto on a Saturday night, fundraising on so many occasions, Strictly Come Dancing weekends, Sixmilebridge Fittest Family, Breakfast Mornings, Sale of work, County Board Tickets, Score Prediction Cards, Club Shop, Charity walks, and many other fundraising ventures, she has been an ever-present. And while Joan would be the first to point out that so many other people were there also, she was the one who kept a watchful eye on the finances.
One other thing stands out about Joan, and that is the cup of tea, the Mrs Doyle of the club, at the drop of a hat, Joan can muster up the sandwiches, the biscuits and the buns, and present them to visiting teams, officials, and match referees and his team, and always with a smile.
JOE REAPY, CONNACHT
Joe's lifelong dedication to Davitt’s GAA is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the club's success and legacy. From his early days as a player, winning County Under 21 A titles in 1984 and 1985 (the latter as captain), to his years of service as a manager, selector, and club PRO, Joe has left an indelible mark on the Davitt’s community.
As the club PRO, Joe's efforts to document and promote Davitt’s GAA have been extraordinary. His comprehensive match reports and encyclopedic knowledge of games, events, and club history make him an invaluable resource. Whether it is adult or underage teams in GAA or LGFA, Joe's meticulous record-keeping and storytelling have strengthened the club's sense of identity and pride.
Joe's organisational talents truly shone in 2024 during Davitt’s GAA’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating a weekend of events that celebrated the club's rich history and vibrant community spirit. One of his standout contributions was the creation of a historical gallery in the clubhouse. This initiative not only enhanced the clubhouse but also served as a permanent tribute to the individuals and moments that shaped Davitt’s GAA.
Another monumental task Joe undertook was the compilation of the club's history in a commemorative book. True to his meticulous nature, Joe dedicated 18 months to this project, ensuring it was a masterpiece worthy of the club's golden jubilee. His dedication involved researching hundreds of articles, stories, photos, and match reports, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for accuracy. The result was a book that not only celebrated Davitt’s milestones - but also preserved its heritage for generations to come.
MARGARET BYRNE, LEINSTER
A proud Wexford woman from the Cloughbawn Club, Margaret married Eddie from Ballymurphy in 1984 and settled in Borris. Eddie was instrumental in the amalgamation of the then Borris, Ballymurphy and Rathanna GAA clubs in1988 to form a new club: Mount Leinster Rangers.
From the outset Margaret has been a very active member of the club, as a camogie player, selector and later as a committee member. Her interest continued to flourish as their children Edward, Diarmuid, Karen, Fiona, Roisin and Emer all became players with the club and Carlow County.
Secretary of Mount Leinster Rangers Club for the past 17 years, Margaret’s interest, commitment and dedication has made her a driving force in the club and has contributed enormously to its successes and achievements both on and off the pitch. Seeing the GAA Club as a focal point in the parish, she believes it is the responsibility of the club to provide adequate resources and facilities for the local community. She derives great satisfaction from the fact that from humble beginnings 36 years ago it now has three playing pitches, an astro turf pitch, a walking track and an excellently equipped gymnasium.
MARY GEANEY, LGFA
From the Castleisland Desmond’s club in Kerry, Mary Geaney was one of the most recognised LGFA players in the early years and captained her county to All-Ireland success in 1976. She also won camogie with the county and represented Ireland in field hockey. She raised the profile of her club Castleisland Desmond’s, firstly as a player and now as a member of the senior management team who reached the AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Semi-Final.
As a member of management, she is inspiring girls to get involved not only as players but in running the club and fundraising. She spends hours fundraising and her drive and determination motivates so many other members of her club and she goes above and beyond in all aspects as a volunteer. She is a valued role model for everyone in the area and sets a truly inspirational example that for all that she achieved in her own illustrious playing days, she is committed to giving back and ensuring that future generations have the opportunity play and to be a part of a club and the sense of community that it gives.
MAUREEN O’HIGGINS, CAMOGIE
A former County Camogie player, in December 2024 Maureen became the first woman to be Chair of Down GAA having previously served as Vice Chair.
She has held a prominent role in the Down and Ulster GAA executives and was the first woman elected to Coiste Bainistí in Down. Maureen also serves as the County Integration Officer and Club Development Officer and made history as the first woman elected to serve on Comhairle Uladh in 2016.
The eldest of eight daughters born to Rosaleen and Willie McCartan, Maureen started playing camogie in 1972 when her mother, along with Winne McCrickard, revived the game in the Liatroim Fontenoys club. For the next three decades, Maureen represented her club and county with distinction, winning 5 Ulster Senior Club Championships and an All-Ireland Junior title with Down in 1991.
Maureen coached and managed at all levels for club and county, before focusing her attention to administration. She led The Fontenoys from 2000-2005 as chairperson and subsequently held the same position on the Down Camogie Board. This valuable experience was put to good use as Maureen ventured into the GAA circles, initially via the Down Development Committee, leading to her serving a five-year term as Down Development Officer. Other work undertaken includes sitting on the fixture committees as well as various Ulster Council Committees which all provide invaluable experience to her in her new role.
SEAMUS WOODS, EDUCATION
In a lifetime of service to Education and by extension the GAA, Seamus Woods’ commitment can be characterised by his devotion to improving the lot of others. He has always adhered to the maxim “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well”. He joined Omagh CBS as a pupil in 1959 and as a goalkeeper, was the youngest member of the historic 1963 D’Alton Cup team, the school’s first success in College’s football.
He continued his Gaelic career at Queen’s University, Belfast where he lined out at full forward on the Sigerson side which lost the 1970 final to UCC, but it also introduced him to the world of administration as Chairman of Queen’s GFC. His displays at full forward also brought him to the attention of the Tyrone selectors, where he had the honour of lining out for his county, before playing for the Carrickmore side.
His return to Omagh CBS in 1971, as a teacher of Latin and Irish, saw him throw himself readily into coaching MacRory Cup and other football sides. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2004.
With his brothers, he lined out for Naoimh Colmcille, Carrickmore and as a full forward, and as Club Chairman, was a member of the victorious treble winning Championship winning side of 77, 78 and 79.
His marriage in 1974 to Teresa had seen him moving to Clanabogan and having kept his links with Carrickmore over many years both on the field and in the committee room, he threw his efforts behind his new club, Drumragh Sarsfields in 2004 where he had coaching success with men’s and LGFA teams.
His attention to detail and work as secretary of Ulster Colleges earned national recognition and in 2009-12, he was appointed to chair both the CCCC and the Central Referee Appointments Committee and was chair of the Post Primary Schools Committee for 2015-21.
A key architect behind the successful implementation of the GAA Future Leaders Transition Year Programme, he was also instrumental in the merging of Ulster Colleges and Ulster Vocational Schools and produced a packed programme of games for young people in second level.
Just as he did this during his teaching career in Omagh CBS, he continues in similar vein today in all of the committees he works on and with all the volunteers on those bodies who he comes in contact with. To emphasise this fact, he is currently President of Carrickmore GFC, while also current Chairman of Drumragh GFC.
MARTIN GROGAN, WARWICKSHIRE - INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Martin Grogan was born in 1950 in Ballyhaunis. Growing up alongside his two brothers and five sisters, Martin experienced a simple yet happy childhood. Money was often scarce, but the Grogan family rarely went without, and they shared a close-knit, contented upbringing. After leaving school, Martin worked various jobs and helped out at home and played for the local club, but the lack of opportunities in Ballyhaunis pushed him to seek a future elsewhere.
In 1974, Martin's life took a significant turn when he traveled to Coventry with Ballyhaunis GAA for a weekend club tour. The trip marked the start of a new chapter as Martin decided to stay. At that time, Coventry had a vibrant Irish community and soon after settling there, Martin became involved with the local GAA scene, joining Roger Casements GAA Club, one of only three GAA clubs in the city. His contributions were immediate, and he quickly became a key figure within the club, taking on the role of treasurer and playing a major role in its growth and development.
Throughout the 1970s, Roger Casements GAA Club thrived thanks to the hard work of Martin and his fellow Gaels. The club won numerous trophies, including the coveted Warwickshire Senior Football Championship in 1978, a highlight in its history. Martin’s leadership on and off the field helped foster a competitive spirit, and his passion for Gaelic games ensured the club’s success. In 1979, Martin married his wife Mary from Donegal, marking another significant chapter in his life.
The 1980s, however, presented more challenges for the club, as the influx of new players from Ireland slowed. Casements found themselves on the brink of folding due to a lack of players. Martin’s determination and vision were key to the club’s revival. He established an underage structure that encouraged the second generation of Irish children in Coventry to take up Gaelic games, ensuring the club’s future and continued success. This period also saw the birth of Martin’s two sons, Donal and Vincent, who would later contribute to the club’s growth.
By the 1990s, Roger Casements was flourishing again, thanks in part to the second-generation players, and a crucial addition—the Ladies section—was introduced, which proved vital to the club’s continued success. Personally, Martin’s family grew with the arrival of his daughter Clara, completing his family. His involvement in the GAA also expanded, with Martin taking on a more prominent role at the county and provincial board levels. He played a significant part in the development of Pairc Na h'Eireann in Solihull, a new facility that became a focal point for Gaelic games in the region.
Throughout his time with Roger Casements, Martin remained deeply committed to the club, the GAA, and his family. In his later years, he continued to stay active, managing the Clubhouse and maintaining the grounds at Pairc Na h'Eireann, where he spends much of his time. His dedication to the games, his ability to network, and his deep love for his family have made Martin a well-respected figure in the Irish community in Coventry. His influence is still felt today, with a legacy built on hard work, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to both his heritage and his family.
WALTER O’CONNOR, HANDBALL
Walter O’Connor from Co Meath is one of the true greats of Irish handball, making a mark on the sport as both a leading player and official.
From a famed handball family, Walter enjoyed tremendous success as a player. After making his breakthrough in the mid-1980s, he was one of the elite players in Irish handball for over 15 years and also established himself on the international circuit, qualifying for the American pro tour after recovering from a serious road accident.
O’Connor played all codes of handball during his career, excelling in them all. Among his honours in the 60x30 Softball code were the All-Ireland Senior Singles (1998) and six Senior Doubles titles along with two Minor Doubles titles (with Tom Sheridan) and a Junior Doubles in tandem with John Grant.
In 1992, Walter won the All-Ireland 40x20 Senior Singles title and also added Senior Doubles titles with Sheridan in that code as well as Minor Singles (1985) and doubles crowns.
Walter also excelled in the traditional game of hardball, winning numerous Senior Doubles All-Ireland medals with Sheridan and David Gough as well as a Minor Singles title (1986) and two Senior Hardball Singles successes (1998 and 2001).
In 1991, he won the 23&U World Championships title in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for his power, ambidexterity and skill, Walter also won countless tournaments and competed strongly in all events across all codes of the game, singles and doubles.
After his playing days ended, Walter continued to contribute to the sport. In 2010, he was elected as President of GAA Handball, the top officership in the sport, serving in the role for three years.
CATHAL SEOIGHE GRADAIM GAEILIGE
Clann na nGael, An Mhí
Tá Cathal Seoighe sáite i gCumann Lúthchleas Gael agus tá a shaol tugtha aige don Chumann. Ó bhí sé óg, bhí sé gníomhach ina chlub, An Ghaeltacht, agus níos faide anonn, Clann na nGael. Chomh maith leis sin, tá níos mó na a chuid déanta aige ag leibhéal an chontae agus ar son Chomórtas Peile na Gaeltachta.
Tá sé ina Rúnaí reatha ar Choiste Náisiúnta Chomórtas Peile na Gaeltachta agus tá sé ag súil go mór leis an gcomórtas a thabhairt chuig a cheantar féin, Ráth Chairn na Mí, i mbliana. Tá na blianta caite aige ar Choiste Naisiúnta Chomórtas Peile na Gaeltachta agus tá an-obair déanta aige ag cur an chomórtais chun cinn i gcontae na Mí le fada.
Chaith Cathal tréimhsí éagsúla ar Bhord Contae na Mí agus toghadh é ina Oifigeach Cultúir agus Gaeilge don chontae ag cruinniú cinn bhliana CLG na Mí le deireanas. Roimhe sin, bhí sé ina thoscaire ag CLG na Mí ar Chomhairle Laighean. Chaith sé tréimhsí eile ina Oifigeach Gaeilge agus Cultúir ag CLG na Mí chomh maith le bheith Rúnaí agus ina Chathaoirleach ar an CCC sa chontae sin. Bhí dhá théarma aige ar Choiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, CLG, le linn thréimhsí uachtaránachta Sheosamh Mhic Dhonncha agus Sheáin Mhic Thaidhg.
Chaith Cathal seal ag obair in earnáil na Gaeilge agus bhí sé ina cheannasaí ar an óg-eagras Gaeilge, Ógras, ar feadh roinnt blianta. Bhí sé ina bhall tofa de chuid Ghaeltacht na Mí ag Údarás na Gaeltachta freisin.
Tá Cathal ina Chathaoirleach ar a chlub, Clann na nGael, faoi láthair agus iad ag réiteach le haghaidh Chomórtas Náisiúnta Peile na
Gaeltachta a bheidh ar siúl i Ráth Chairn le linn dheireadh seachtaine na Cincíse i mbliana.
Tá Cathal pósta le Seosaimhín agus tá cúigear clainne acu – Siobhán, Bláthnaid, Fionnuala, Niamh agus Aisling.
