PREVIEW: See the candidates who stand in the way of Ger Ryan's run for GAA President this weekend

All eyes in the Premier County will be firmly fixed on Croke Park this weekend as the GAA elects its next Uachtarán at Annual Congress.

On Friday evening, delegates will choose a successor to Jarlath Burns, with Templederry native Ger Ryan flying the Tipperary flag in a three-way contest.

For Tipperary Gaels, there will be great interest in this election as Ryan seeks to bring the Presidency back to the Premier County for the first time in over 50 years. See below for an overview of the candidates participating in this year's election.

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The Tipperary Candidate: Ger Ryan

A native of Templederry, Ryan served as chairperson of Munster GAA from 2022 to 2025 and was previous PRO of both Tipperary GAA and Munster GAA at different stages. He has chaired several Croke Park committees and currently leads the Central Referees Appointments Committee.

Ryan is widely regarded as an experienced administrator with deep knowledge of the Association’s structures at county, provincial and national level.

His leadership roles within Munster and his work in Croke Park committees have positioned him as a candidate with strong governance credentials and a detailed understanding of how decisions flow through the organisation.

For Tipperary delegates and supporters, his candidacy represents an opportunity to have a local voice at the very top of the GAA.

The Man from Sligo: John Murphy

Tubbercurry native John Murphy has held a number of positions within his county, and at provincial and national level, where he currently is a member of an Coiste Bainistí, the GAA’s management committee. Connacht Council president and Sligo chairperson were among his former roles. He is aiming to become the first Sligo man to hold the GAA Presidency.

Murphy’s campaign centres on his broad administrative experience and his background in Connacht GAA. His supporters point to his time leading at county and provincial level, as well as his current involvement on the Association’s management committee, as evidence of his readiness for the top job.

The Wexford Contender: Derek Kent

Kent is currently a member of the Taghmon/Camross club in Wexford and was chairman of Leinster GAA until last month, January. He previously chaired the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee and has developed a reputation for strong leadership.

Kent brings significant experience from Leinster and from overseeing competitions nationally. His background with the Central Competitions Control Committee places him at the heart of decision making around fixtures and disciplinary matters, areas that often shape the tone of debate within the Association.

What Happens Next

The successful candidate on Friday night will be elected for a three-year term as Uachtarán, which will begin in February of 2027.

For Tipperary, the focus will be on whether Ger Ryan can secure enough delegate support to claim one of the most influential roles in Irish sport. 

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