Parlon takes up Offaly GAA's chief role as Ballinagar are honoured

As expected, Tom Parlon was confirmed as Offaly GAA’s new chairperson at the annual convention on Tuesday night.

A former Progressive Democrats TD and Junior Minister, Parlon succeeds Michael Duignan, who had to step down after completing five years in the role.

There is a strong GAA tradition in Parlon’s family as his father Mick was a regular on the Offaly senior hurling team in the late 1940s and early ‘50s. Tom played hurling at all grades for Coolderry and has served as club chairman, while his son Cathal made 70 senior hurling appearances for Offaly.

Well-respected in farming, political and business circles, Parlon is a former Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President and Director General of the Construction Industry Federation.

Brendan Minnock of Shamrocks is the new Offaly GAA secretary, replacing Edenderry’s Colm Cummins. Minnock was assistant secretary this year and previously served as Offaly GAA’s public relations officer (PRO).

Brendan is also well known outside the county as he is currently Leinster GAA PRO and is an active member of the National Communications Committee.

Denis Hoctor of Carrig & Riverstown is the new vice-chairperson, replacing Rhode’s James Murphy. In addition to various roles with the Offaly/Tipperary border club, Hoctor has been referees administrator for the past three years and a member of the Offaly Competitions Control Committee (CCC).

Doon’s Frank Fitzpatrick is the new treasurer, replacing Dervill Dolan (Clara). Fitzpatrick’s career in banking has taken him away from Offaly and he lives in Laois, but he retains strong ties to his home club and county.

Pat Teehan of Coolderry continues as assistant secretary, a role which incorporates considerable work on the club fixtures front. Teehan is a former Offaly and indeed Leinster GAA chairman and he was a candidate for the GAA presidency in the last election, losing out to Armagh’s Jarlath Burns.

Having served five years as chairman - a period which saw Offaly win All-Ireland U20 titles in football and hurling - Michael Duignan will continue his involvement as the county’s Central Council delegate.

Regarding other positions, UCD lecturer and renowned author Paul Rouse continues as demographics officer.

The roles of assistant treasurer and cultural officer have yet to be filled. Michelle Hogan has fulfilled five years as cultural officer and now takes up the children’s officer position.

Meanwhile, in what has been a hugely memorable year for Ballinagar GAA, more success came their way with the Club of the Year award.

Ballinagar won the 2024 Offaly intermediate football title, defeating close neighbours Raheen in the county final, before going to secure the Leinster junior club championship. Outgoing Offaly GAA chairperson Michael Duignan presented Ballinagar representatives Mick Dunne and Paurig Gallagher with the Fr John McWey Cup.

Birr GAA was named as the Underage Club of the Year, having won the U13 and U15 ‘A’ hurling titles, also enjoying success on the national stage with a Division 2 Féile victory. Birr GAA chairman Michael Loughnane accepted the Underage Club of the Year trophy on behalf of the club.

Ballinamere has been crowned Offaly Cultural Club of the Year 2024, reflecting their dominance in Scór competitions this year. The club secured county titles in nearly all categories and, notably, the Ballad Group and Joanna Troy went on to claim Leinster titles, showcasing their talents on a broader stage. Vincent Molloy received the trophy on behalf of the Ballinamere club.

Offaly GAA officers elected for 2025:

Chairperson: Tom Parlon (Coolderry). Vice chairperson: Denis Hoctor (Carrig & Riverstown). Secretary: Brendan Minnock (Shamrocks). Assistant secretary: Pat Teehan (Coolderry). Treasurer: Frank Fitzpatrick (Doon). Public relations officer: Pádraig O’Meara (Clara). Central Council delegate: Michael Duignan (Durrow). Leinster Council delegates: Declan Ward (Crinkill) and Ciaran Groome (Bracknagh). Coaching officer: Carina Carroll (Ballinamere). Children’s officer: Michelle Hogan (Birr). Planning and training officer: Joe Cleary (Shinrone). Demographics officer: Paul Rouse (Tullamore).