Brian Smith was elected Derry's new chairman as last night's annual convention in Owenbeg.

The Desertmartin clubman was elected unopposed as successor to John Keenan, who stepped down under the five-year rule.

Admitting that the outgoing chairman will be a hard act to follow, Smith said: "To follow in the footsteps of John Keenan is no easy task. John has set the bar very high and he will be a hard act to follow.

"John, you have given us many memories to cherish and have left us with structures and standards which are the envy of Ireland. On behalf of the Gaels of Derry, I want to offer you our deepest thanks, and I know that you will not be going away.

"When you understand the past and where you are in the present, then you can seek to find the path on which you want to travel. Tomorrow the planning for the journey ahead begins again."

In his final address, Keenan urged retired Derry stars to give something back to the county by getting involved with the various county sides.

"In Derry, we have some of the top coaches in Ulster operating at various levels within the Association. Many of these people are former inter-county players. I want to make an appeal to these people," he said.

"I want them to come forward and give a little of their time to help inspire and to coach the future generations of players. I want them to show the same passion for their county as they did when they wore the red and white shirt."

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