PARAIC Duffy is to retire as director general of the GAA at the end of March 2018 – just before the major Championship changes he helped introduce kick into gear.
The Monaghan man will have been in the post for 10 years by the time he walks away, having succeeded the long-serving Liam Mulvihill in February 2008.
“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as Ard Stiúrthóir for the past 10 years,” said Duffy.
“I would like to express my thanks to the four GAA presidents with whom I have worked, Nickey Brennan, Christy Cooney, Liam Ó Néill and Aogán Ó Fearghail, to the members of central council, management committee and other national committees, to our staff in Croke Park, and to officials, volunteers and staff at provincial, county and club levels for their constant support and encouragement.
“I look forward to working with Uachtarán Aogán Ó Fearghail and Uachtarán-tofa John Horan on a range of projects over the next few months.”
Earlier this month a Special Congress voted to radically change the structure of the All-Ireland hurling Championships, and came just seven months after a new football ‘super-eight’ was signed off.
Duffy was also a key player in agreeing a landmark deal with Sky, which saw the broadcaster air several football and hurling matches through the summer months.
Prior to his appointment as director general, he was the GAA's player welfare manager, and had previously served as chairman of the national audit committee, coaching and games development committee and games administration committee, as well as the Monaghan County Board.
Current president Ó Fearghail thanked Duffy on behalf of the GAA, saying: “Paraic Duffy’s vision, energy, integrity and fairness have been key to the Association’s growth over the past decade; his contribution has been immense.”
