By Dan Walsh
Wexford’s Derek Kent will succeed Jarlath Burns to become the 42nd Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael (President of the Gaelic Athletic Association) after delegates voted in the opening session of the 2026 GAA Congress in Dublin tonight.
Mr. Kent will assume the role of Uachtarán when Burns’ term comes to an end in February 2027, from which point on the Taghmon-Camross clubman will lead the GAA.
The election took place tonight. Total Votes was 277. No spoiled votes. Quota 139. Result; Derek Kent (Wexford) 169 votes; Ger Ryan (Tipperary) 76 votes; John Murphy (Sligo) 32 votes.
Derek Kent is a member of Taghmon-Camross GAA and served as Chair of Wexford GAA County Board from 2017 to 2020 and has been Chair of the Leinster Council since 2023. He chaired the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) for three years during Larry McCarthy’s presidency.
“I want to engage with our volunteers and our memberships, home and abroad. I want to listen to the concerns and the direction the GAA is heading towards. I also want to ensure the GAA remains the focal point of the community in all our parishes,” said Mr. Kent prior to his nomination for the Presidency.
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