Lupari the new leader of Club Derry

MAGHERAFELT'S Paul Lupari was last night elected as chairman of Club Derry, taking over from John Keenan as the leader of Derry GAA's fundraising arm.  Lupari was a member of the original finance committee to initially fund the Owenbeg project.

"I'm delighted that we have someone of the calibre of Paul Lupari spearheading the Club Derry effort," commented Derry GAA chairman Brian Smith.  "I want to express my gratitude to all the committee for their work throughout 2016 and in particular to John Keenan who has once again raised the bar during the previous 12 months and now passes on the baton.

"The work of Club Derry is absolutely vital to the ongoing progress of Derry GAA. Without their input and help we would not be able to drive our teams forward and to provide our young players with the environment they need to maximise their potential," Smith added.

Speaking recently to the County Derry Post, outgoing chairman John Keenan endorsed Lupari stepping forward into the role.

“We will be in safe hands," Keenan said.  "He [Lupari] is dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, has been a club chairman, has the business acumen, is a very passionate Derry GAA man and still plays for his club.  This speaks highly of Club Derry when people of that calibre want to step forward."

Club Derry officers 2017: Chairman: Paul Lupari Vice-chairman: Francis McCloskey Secretary: Bernie Mullan Treasurer: Miceál Ahern PRO: Dermot McPeake