Hall of Fame award for John Prenty
Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty outside the new AirDome which was reinflated this year after being destroyed during Storm Éowyn. Picture: David Farrell Photography
It is hard to think of too many people nationally, not alone locally, who have contributed as much to the GAA as John Prenty.
Almost 50 years ago, in November 1977, he attended his first-ever AGM of his beloved Ballyhaunis GAA Club. He left as the new chairman, taking over from Johnny Biesty.
So started a journey which would define much of his life.
He continued in the role while playing for the club, becoming one of Ballyhaunis’ key performers during the 1970s and 1980s. He was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1983, although his greatest contribution to the GAA would ultimately come through administration.
In the early 1980s, he was appointed secretary of the Mayo GAA Activities Committee (a precursor to the CCC) and served as a Connacht Council delegate in this time also.
In 1985, he was elected secretary of the County Board, a role he served in until 1994 when he took over as the first full-time secretary/CEO of the Connacht Council.
Along with the considerable day-to-day running of the organisation, among the most significant achievements of his time in Connacht have been the development of the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at Bekan and the construction of the Connacht GAA Dome. Following the dome’s destruction by Storm Éowyn, John immediately set about driving the project to rebuild it.
His involvement with the GAA does not begin and end with his Connacht role. He has been heavily involved with his club in Ballyhaunis and has served as selector with various club underage and adult teams.
Shrewd, wise and often plain-speaking, he is a football fanatic and a very good judge of upcoming talent.
Almost half a century after walking into that first Ballyhaunis AGM, John Prenty remains as committed to the GAA as ever. His contribution to club, county and province has been immense, and there is no sign of his energy or enthusiasm diminishing. He is a thoroughly deserving Hall of Fame recipient.
