Horan appointed to lead Gaelic games integration

Former GAA President John Horan ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Former GAA president John Horan has been appointed chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration, taking over from former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

Horan’s appointment was ratified by the management committees of the GAA, Camogie Association and Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) on Thursday night.

The Dublin native, who served as GAA president from 2018 to 2021, will oversee the ongoing efforts to bring the three associations together under a single structure.

Horan said he was excited to take on the responsibility, highlighting the success of his own club Na Fianna in promoting all three codes.

“To be asked to chair the Steering Group on Integration and work with everyone who is committed to having a new dawn for Gaelic games is a responsibility and a privilege that I am excited to take on,” he said.

His appointment follows McAleese’s departure last month amid criticism of the handling of the integration process. The original target of completing integration by 2027 has been abandoned, with work on governance and representation structures continuing.

GAA president Jarlath Burns welcomed Horan’s appointment, pointing to his leadership experience and his role in bringing Camogie Association and LGFA representatives onto the GAA’s Management Committee during his presidency.

Camogie Association president Brian Molloy and LGFA president Trina Murray also welcomed the move, expressing confidence that Horan could help build support for the process and advance the integration project.

The three associations remain committed to a united future for Gaelic games, with further progress expected at a GAA Special Congress in 2027.