'We can become the Dublin of Leinster within a couple of years'- Reaction from last night's Kildare GAA convention

The major talking point from the Kildare GAA convention on Saturday night was the club delegates decision to stick with Ger Donnely and Mick Gorman as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the County Board.

There was an edgy feel to proceedings in the Athy GAA Centre before the votes were cast last night, with everyone in attendance very unsure as to what the outcome of the two votes might be.

Current incumbent Ger Donnelly was voted in to return for a second year as Kildare GAA Chairman by gaining 101 votes to Dermot Reilly's 82, and Reilly was very gracious in defeat, suggesting any bad blood between the two was merely 'political jousting'.

"It was a tough campaign, a very tough campaign for myself, Morgan our families. Fair play to Ger. Whatever was said and done during the course of that campaign- that’s exactly what it was- a political joust. I wish him every success going forward and while I would like to occupy the position of chairman, I have no doubt that Ger will continue to do a great job," he said in while addressing the convention.

"I want to thank all of the people who have supported me in this venture, all the individuals who have supported me personally and all of the clubs have met with me as I did the rounds and really gave us a tremendous reception. I particularly want to thank my family for supporting me in this venture, this isn’t doable unless you get their support. I am also particularly grateful to the Carbury club who nominated me, and also to the delegates from the club who came here tonight and voted for me, at least I hope they voted for me."

"It’s time that the people in Kildare stood up for ourselves and regained our pride on and off the fireld and not get bullied by people in Croke Park or anywhere else for that matter. I’m not one bit sorry I went into this, I’m sorry I lost but I think it has been healthy for Kildare GAA and I hope it will be better and stronger going forward," he concluded.

Reilly is renowned for his financial expertise, that was his main selling point when running for the chairman's position, and Bórd Na Nóg officer Pat Dunney expressed his hope that Reilly will remain committed to the Kildare GAA cause and help out the men that are on the board now.

"I’d like to suggest that Dermot Reilly offers his expertise to the young lads, Ger, Alan[Dunney] and Mick Gorman. I’m sure he’s certainly available to bring whatever he can to the table. That’s an offer he made a minute ago and I’m sure they’ll take him up on it," said Dunney.

The Raheens clubman spoke passionately about the future of Kildare GAA, giving a call to arms speech in which he expressed his belief that Kildare could dominate Leinster in a couple of years the same way that Dublin do now.

"Lets all work together, Kildare’s a good county. There's no doubt that we can be bigger and better in a year or two's time. Not only winning minors and U21s, but with a new set-up, new people we could very well be the Leinster champions. Dublin won't be there forever, mark my words. We can become the Dublin of Leinster in a matter of years. Let this be a watershed, that we can move on and give Kildare a brighter future," he said.

Morgan O'Callaghan, defeated in his race for the post as vice-chairman by Mick Gorman on a count of 116 to 66, was singing off the same hymn sheet as Reilly and Dunney, suggesting that he too would offer any help to the current committee that he can, while also congratulating the victor.

"Well done Mick, best of luck for the year ahead and the same to Ger. It was an honour to stand for Vice-Chairman of Kildare GAA, I suppose it’s not a post I would treat lightly, I put a lot of work in alongside Dermot Reilly trying to get elected. It didn’t work out, but again just like Dermot as Pat[Dunney] mentioned, I’d certainly hope to assist in any way I can with Kildare GAA. I’ve been involved for the last number of years and I don’t think that will change."

"It’s onwards and upwards. I think everything that has happened over the last four or five weeks has been good for Kildare GAA. I think contests are good, they’re no different than on the field. They bring you on when there’s a good contest and I think we got everybody working together there are a lot of things on the agenda that will only improve Kildare GAA," he said.