Ulster GAA Secretary honoured by Foster and McGuinness

First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness today hosted a reception at Stormont Castle for Dr. Danny Murphy, Provincial Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uladh (Ulster GAA) to recognise his invaluable contribution to Sport and Community Relations.

As Secretary, Danny is the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer for Ulster GAA, and has responsibility for all Ulster GAA staff & the day-to-day operations of the Ulster GAA Council. He also represents Ulster GAA at meetings with all public agencies and government departments in addition to representing Ulster GAA on Sub Committees at Central GAA level. Danny has been the overall senior Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the entire GAA since 2008.

Speaking at the event, First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “I am delighted to welcome Danny and his family circle and colleagues to Stormont Castle today.

“Danny has made an important contribution to Community Relations in Northern Ireland through sport. He played a very progressive role through initiatives such as the Game of 3 Halves which involved Rugby, Soccer and GAA. Each sport brought its own unique contribution to the Game of 3 Halves programme, and despite all three sports having their specific values and philosophies, it brought sport into communities and offered our young people the opportunity to participate.”

“I commend Danny’s valuable contribution to sport in Northern Ireland throughout his distinguished career.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Danny Murphy is a true Gael. His contribution to sport and community relations through his active role in the GAA is immeasurable. Danny has given decades of service to the GAA and been at the forefront of building community relations.

“It was important that we tried to recognise his personal contribution and it was fitting to share this moment with his family and colleagues from the GAA including GAA President, Aogán Ó Fearghail.

“We look forward to his continued wisdom and contribution to our Gaelic games at all levels.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said:

“This is a proud day for the GAA in Ulster and beyond. We are immensely pleased that Danny’s outstanding contributions to the GAA and community relations have been marked by the First Minister & deputy First Minister at such a special event. His strong leadership & strategic vision have been instrumental in the many successful developments in Ulster since he came into his role in 1997. This accolade is a proud occasion for Danny, his family and his club, St Mary’s Burren GAA. We look forward to many more years of his contributions at all levels of our Association’’

Also speaking at the reception Ard Stiúrthóir Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Páraic Duffy said:

“I am delighted that Danny Murphy has today been honoured for his exceptional and tireless leadership roles in the areas of GAA & Community engagement over several decades in Ulster. He has been a key figure in the GAA and has always shown a tremendous commitment to enhancing our Association during his years of service in Ulster as Treasurer, Vice President and President. Danny has led the Association’s community engagement work for well over a decade and has played a significant role in promoting reconciliation and friendship across the wider Community’’

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Comhairle Uladh Michael Hasson said: “The whole of the GAA in Ulster will undoubtedly be delighted to learn that our Provincial Secretary and Director has been recognised by The Executive Office for his many years of sterling work for the GAA, sport in general and the broader community. His period of leadership has seen considerable change, investment and unprecedented success for Ulster GAA and he has been the driving force behind this. Danny’s vision has also been paramount to the Association’s Community Engagement and Outreach work, which has made a hugely positive impression right across the Community. I am very pleased to see Danny receive this level of recognition for all his hard work and know I speak for the wider GAA family in wishing him continued success at the forefront of the Association in Ulster for years to come.’’