In December, PJ Scully became Laois GAA chairman as he was elected at Laois GAA’s annual convention.
New Laois GAA chairman PJ Kelly says he is “sincerely … privileged and honoured” to be taking on the role.
Elected unopposed to the role at Monday night’s annual convention in the Midlands Park Hotel, he becomes the third Timahoe club man to hold the position, following in the footsteps of Sean Ramsbottom (1973-1987) and Dick Miller (2000-2007).
He paid tribute to the Timahoe club and his family for developing a love of the GAA in him and to his wife Elva and sons Jamie, Jeremy and Patrick Joseph for their support in allowing him to do this job.
He also highlighted the importance of ‘respect’ and ‘teamwork’ in moving Laois GAA forward.
“To my club – I would not have developed a love for all things GAA if it had not been for the wonderful people involved there who influenced me through my formative years,E he said in what was his first address to the club delegates.
“I will be eternally grateful to them for that. Without offending or omitting any one person, I would particularly like to thank our current chairperson Liam Ramsbottom and further acknowledge two former county board chairmen from Timahoe in Sean Ramsbottom and Dick Miller. Big boots to fill perhaps.
“For me and for my club it is a very proud day. I would especially like to thank my immediate family, my wife Elva and our three sons – Jamie, Jeremy and Patrick Joseph junior for their support to date, and more importantly for offering their patronage going forward. Without this luxury, no doubt the road ahead would be a lot more challenging.
“Furthermore, I’ll be forever indebted to my parents for instilling a ove of all things GAA from a very young age. Thank you, PJ and Chrissie, and of course both my sisters for always keeping me in toe along the way.”
He paid tribute to outgoing chairman Peter O’Neill who he said “was never found wanting when it came to heading us as a county”.
“His energy and enthusiasm are some of the many traits his character left upon the role of chair person.”
“When we look at the values of the GAA, the first thing that springs to my mind is respect,” he added.
“For us as a dual county to progress and flourish we must first begin by respecting each other, that is club and county, county and club. It is a two-way process. After all, the county board is just an extension of the clubs.
“Another value is team work and I’m specifically speaking of ‘off the field’ situations where if we work together as a team in the spirit of respect, I believe there is very little we cannot achieve.
“The credit for the achievements is not important but rather it is the achievements themselves is what’s fundamental.
“While I may be repeating myself, I sincerely am privileged and honoured that the role of Cathaoirleach Contae Laoise’ is bestowed upon me for 2022.
“I believe the start of a thousand-mile march begins with the first step and in this regard I look forward to further building relationships and working with you and for you in 2022.”
Kelly was joined by many members of his extended family who were in the Midlands Park Hotel for the entireity of the almost three-hour meeting.
Timahoe delegate Willie Ramsbottom, son of former chairman Sean, was among those to offer his congratulations from the floor while Liam Ramsbottom, Timahoe chairman, was there in his capacity as Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe delegate.
Earlier, Peter O’Neill had made his final speech as Laois GAA chairman having served in the role for the past four years. He opted against fulfilling his full five-year term and has stepped away entirely from the executive after more than 15 years involved on the top table.
He said it had been “an honour and a pleasure to serve this great county”.
“I’m delighted to pass over the chairman’s role to PJ Kelly and I’m more than confident that the affairs of the county are in very good hands.
“I believe Laois GAA is in a good place not withstanding some poor results in 2021.”
County Board treasurer Martin Byrne in outlining a surplus of more than €500,000 said that this year’s figures were unprecedented due to Covid-19 and “more than likely a one off”.
€160,000 has been set aside for development work on O’Moore Park and the Centre of Excellence.
He said that while Laois are in a good financial position at the moment, they essentially have no income until the County Board draw which is not until next April.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of our 2021 Remembered stories here
