Gortin stalwart Gerard Bradley wins prestigious President's Award

by Francis Mooney

GORTIN'S Gerard Bradley has received one of the GAA's highest honours after being named as a recipient of the 2026 Gradaim an Uachtarain, the President's Awards.

A selfless, lifelong volunteer for Tyrone GAA, Gerard has been a familiar figure at matches and in committee rooms for the past five decades.

Tyrone GAA congratulated Gerard, saying that a lifetime of selfless service had been recognised.

"A true Tyrone GAA stalwart, on being named as a recipient of the Gradaim an Uachtarain 2026," said a spokesperson.

"From club and county administration to being the familiar face at the gate on match day, Gerard's dedication has left an immeasurable mark on Gaelic Games in Tyrone. A richly deserved honour for one of our own."

These prestigious annual awards, organised with the support of AIB and broadcast by TG4, are made by GAA President Jarlath Burns to acknowledge individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the promotion of Gaelic games at club and county level.

Running for more than 20 years, the awards are a cross-section of people who have stood out through their ability to consistently go above and beyond in the service of their club and county and GAA community.

There are provincial, educational, and Irish language awards, as well as awards recognising contributions made to Ladies football, Camogie, World GAA, and Handball.

The citation which reflected his remarkable contribution to the Association at club, county, provincial and national level described Mr Bradley as a man for all seasons and an exceptional volunteer, the epitome of the sort of GAA volunteer who is always willing to step up when there is a need.

"From Gortin in Co Tyrone, this now retired, much loved Chemistry and Physics teacher, played for this local St Patrick's club in the 70s and 80s before making an immeasurable impact upon his move into administration.

"Initially involved in the county executive as a Youth Officer in 1987, he was elected county treasurer in 1991 – a position he would hold for 10 years.

"As the county's financial controller for a decade Gerard worked diligently, putting in place sound and effective structures that had become necessary to monitor and control the ever-increasing financial exchanges."

He became the County IT Officer in 2001 and quickly moved Tyrone into one of the country's leaders in this field. Several GAA Presidents have recognised his work and his ability in both fields - IT and Finance - and have invited Gerard to serve on the National subcommittees where his contributions and knowledge of both subjects are greatly respected.

"Since 1991 Gerard has been a continuous and ever-present member of the Tyrone Finance Committee, in addition to his membership of the County Committee in a varied range of roles; but, the one role that he is most familiar in with the fans and general public is that of a 'gate-man' or 'gate steward'.

"He will be in attendance, managing the safe entry of the fans and supporters at every fixture in Tyrone, and at almost all Provincial championship games in Ulster.

"There is just one proviso - he must be back home in Gortin on a Saturday evening to call the bingo numbers in his local clubhouse."

GAA president Jarlath Burns said: "The people being celebrated tonight are the faces of the GAA, the people we see every week, every month and every year - all giving selflessly to make our clubs, counties and communities the thriving Gaelic games hubs that they are.

"The GAA cannot function without the incredible work of the volunteer army that makes us the extraordinary movement that we have been since 1884.

"The people being honoured are in their own way ambassadors for the many thousands like them who make the GAA what it is.

"I congratulate all of our worthy recipients and wish to acknowledge the support of TG4 and AIB for this scheme."

Meanwhile, Augher clubman Niall Mulrine has been appointed as the Ladies Gaelic Football Association's National Development Manager.

Niall, who is vice-chairperson of the Augher St Macartan's club, will commence his new role on Monday March 9th.

A former club player with Augher, he will make the step up from his current position as the LGFA's Head of Volunteer Development.

Niall, who was named as the Ulster GAA Young Volunteer of the Year in 2015, joined the LGFA in January 2018, working as a National Development Officer before taking over the role of Head of Volunteer Development in August 2023.

During his time with the Association, Niall led out the development of the LGFA administrator pathway, Club Compás, and the club leadership development programme.

A graduate of St Ciaran's College, Ballygawley, Niall is also instrumental in the organisation and roll-out of the inaugural Club Summit, which will take place at Croke Park on Saturday February.

During his time as Head of Volunteer Development, Niall has overseen Volunteer Training and Support, including officer training, and the ongoing development of Volunteer programmes including Club2Gether.

He is also heavily involved in the LGFA's annual National Volunteer of the Year awards scheme, now sponsored by dooctor.ie

Niall will succeed Lyn Savage in the National Development Manager position and we wish him every success.

The GAA has confirmed the speakers for the Club Summit, with Tyrone legend Peter Canavan among those who will be contributing at Croke Park.

"From parish pitches to packed stadiums, Gaelic games are shaped by individuals who give far more than they ever take. The panellists gathered for The Club Summit on 7 February in Croke Park represent the best of that tradition," said a GAA spokesperson.