McCarthy Returns Following Successful Term as GAA President

Larry McCarthy, former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), has returned to Seton Hall as an associate professor. Here, he walks the red carpet to greet the players prior to the 2023 All-Ireland Football Final at Croke Park.

The Stillman School of Business is excited to announce the return of Associate Professor Larry McCarthy, who recently completed a highly successful three-year term as President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). McCarthy's leadership at the GAA, Ireland's largest sporting organizations, made a lasting impact on the association and the broader sports community.

During his tenure as GAA President, McCarthy spearheaded several initiatives that significantly strengthened the organization and expanded its reach. One of his notable achievements was successfully navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of Gaelic games while safeguarding the well-being of players, fans and staff. He also championed inclusivity within the GAA, launching initiatives to increase participation among underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds.

McCarthy presents the Sam Maguire Trophy to Dublin captain James McCarthy, after the 2023 All-Ireland Football Final at Croke Park. On the right is the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar TD.

Reflecting on this period, McCarthy shared, "The GAA Presidency is an exciting and prominent role in Irish society. Being the 40th President in the 140-year history of the Association it was a wonderful honor and as one would expect in terms of time and commitment, it was 'full-on' for the 3-year term." McCarthy, as a former Chairperson of the NY GAA Committee, was the first GAA president elected from outside of Ireland.

When asked about the initiatives he is most proud of during his presidency, McCarthy mentioned the creation of a five-year strategic plan titled "Aontas," the Gaelic term for Unity, which aimed to integrate the three sport organizations that service Gaelic Games: the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association. "A one-club model was mooted a long time ago and Aontas identified 2027 as a realistic timeline for full integration," he said, adding that the committee responsible for this project is chaired by former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

Recognizing the importance of sustainability, McCarthy introduced environmentally conscious policies within the GAA, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in all aspects of the organization's operations. One such initiative involved working with manufacturers to standardize equipment ethically, particularly the sliothar, the ball used in hurling. "All of our sliothar suppliers are now monitored and screened by the World Federation of the Sports Goods Industry to avoid child labor practices," he explained.

McCarthy, with Ulster GAA president Ciarán McLaughlin, left, and GAA Director General Tom Ryan at the Annual Congress of the GAA.

During his term as Uachtaran, the Gaelic term for president, he also played a part in expanding the global presence of Gaelic games, fostering connections with Irish communities worldwide and promoting the sport on an international stage. He highlighted the success of GAAGO, a streaming service initially created to serve international markets, which was later repurposed during the pandemic to cater to the domestic Irish market. "The presentation values [of GAAGO] have been excellent and the expansion of the range of games now available has been broadly welcomed," he noted.

Returning to Seton Hall, McCarthy is eager to bring the insights and experiences he gained from his time with the GAA back to the classroom. "While the downtime was initially welcome, I am very much looking forward to returning to the stimulating and engaging activity of the classroom," he shared. "Business-oriented activities, such as working with sponsors and media contracts, managing Croke Park stadium, are activities that will have more relevance to the classroom."

"We are delighted to welcome Professor McCarthy back to Seton Hall," said Joyce Strawser, dean of the Stillman School of Business. "His leadership at the GAA was exemplary, and we are proud of his many achievements while in the role. We also are excited to see how his experiences will further enhance our programs and inspire our students."

As the first overseas president of the GAA, McCarthy has brought international acclaim to his leadership abilities and his deep understanding of sports management. His return continues his long-standing academic career, during which he has played a key role in developing the Stillman School's sports management program. His research focuses on sports marketing, and he has published extensively on the subject.

"My goals for the academic year - not even for the year, but for the fall semester - are very simple: transition from the role of president to the role of professor and enjoy the process," he shared.

Strawser added, "His unique perspective, shaped by his leadership role at the GAA, will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for his students, exposing them indirectly to international sport and leadership practices."

Categories: Business

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