Kevin O'Donovan named as new full-time secretary/CEO of the Cork County Board

KILMEEN-KILBREE club man Kevin O’Donovan is the new full-time secretary/CEO of the Cork County Board.

He will commence his new role effective from December 17th.

O’Donovan succeeds Frank Murphy, who retires at this year’s County Convention after 45 years of distinguished service as county board secretary.

The recruitment process, organised by the GAA’s HR Department at the request of Cork County Board, commenced in July and the interview panel, comprised of a number of high level GAA representatives, recommended the appointment of O’Donovan.

This recommendation was accepted by the Cork County Board Executive at a meeting on Thursday, November 1st, and is subject to final approval by the Cork County Board at its next meeting.

From the Kilmeen and Kilbree club based in Rossmore, O’Donovan has had extensive GAA involvement at both club and county level. He has worked as a Games Development Administrator (GDA) and Development Squads Administrator, and has been a County Board Officer since 2015, serving as Coaching Officer and currently Vice-Chairperson.   

He is a member of the GAA National Fixtures Analysis Committee, chairs the Cork GAA Competitions Control Committee, and has held a variety of officerships in his own club. He holds a B. AGr. Sc.  degree and a Ph.D from University College Dublin, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University College Cork.

County Board Chairperson Tracey Kennedy said that the new secretary/CEO was taking up his appointment at a time of great opportunity and challenge for Cork GAA.

‘Our priority is to maintain and improve the high level of engagement by clubs, players and volunteers whose work shapes and defines the organisation in the county, and to ensure that Cork GAA is equipped to grow and operate successfully into the future,’ Kennedy said.

‘The performances of all our county teams are also of paramount importance. The success of our development squad programme, in which Kevin has been pivotally involved, is vital to the creation of a pathway for success in the future. With reports due from our strategic plan implementation committee and our football planning committee in the near future, we will expect the new secretary to drive any recommendations approved by the County Board.

‘Cork County Board looks forward to working with our new secretary as we enter a new phase in the life of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Cork and we wish him every success in his new role.’