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Dublin native John Horan the new GAA president elect after emphatic victory

The 58-year-old secondary school principal gave an emotional victory speech.

JOHN HORAN IS the GAA president elect after a landslide victory at Congress tonight.

He beat off competition from Martin Skelly (Longford), Sean Walsh (Kerry), Frank Burke (Galway) and Robert Frost (Clare) and will succeed Aogán Ó Fearghail in 2018.

The 58-year-old is a former Dublin minor selector and manager, Central Council representative and Leinster Council chairman.

Horan is the current principal at St Vincent’s Secondary School in Glasnevin, Dublin.

He will be the first Dublin native to hold the role since Daniel McCarthy (1921-24).

Horan won on the first count of votes cast tonight.

John Horan – 144
Martin Skelly – 22
Sean Walsh – 46
Frank Burke – 36
Robert Frost – 20

In an emotional first address, Horan thanked his wife and offered his commiserations to his defeated opponents.

“This was a drain on each and every one of the candidates, but this race was fought in a very fair manner. It takes courage to put your head above the parapet and take on this challenge.

He concluded: “I’m not renowned for long speeches and I won’t change that now. One piece of advice – if you want to sleep, count sheep and don’t count votes!”

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