Haverty elected Toomevara GAA’s first female chairperson

By Shane Brophy

The storied history of Toomevara GAA club added another new chapter recently with the election of its first female chairperson.

Denise Haverty succeeded Donal Shanahan in the role at the club’s annual general meeting held last month.

“It’s not really something that crossed my mind,” she said of her historic election.

“I didn’t realise the interest people would have in it. It wasn’t until our PRO posted it online that I considered what had happened.

“It has created a great vibe around the place and that is important when you are working with people.

“I’m excited about the role but I would be a little bit apprehensive as well as it is something completely new to me.”

Denise has been on the club committee for the past eight years, where among other things, helped drive the club’s GAA’s Healthy Clubs initiative which organises programmes such as meditation nights, yoga classes, couch to 5k’s etc…, which helps the club cater for the whole parish rather than just the playing side.

Unlike many clubs where it is difficult to get people into officer roles, Denise didn’t have to be coaxed to put her name forward for election.

“I had it in my own mind for the last year or so, so there was no real arm twisting for me, so I said I’d put my name forward and that is how it came about,” she revealed.

“After our first committee meeting, and after all the support that I have gotten since I became chairperson, I am happier with the role, and I know I have lots to learn but I am willing to learn.

“Toomevara GAA is something I grew up with - the teams going so well back in the 90’s - so I am delighted to be part of it. We are lucky in Toome’ in that we have lots of people that want to get involved.”

Denise Haverty comes from a strong GAA background daughter of Michael and Julia, and whose uncle Denis was a selector with their senior hurling team during their golden era in the 1990’s.

A mother of three children, Denise is a Garda based at the Garda College in Templemore and is married to another Garda, Joe Hayes, the former Clare senior footballer who was goalkeeping coach to the Tipperary senior footballers when they won the Munster Championship in 2020.

And Denise’s positive outlook should ensure Toomevara is an organised and well-run club during her term.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone and being involved in that role and seeing how it plays out,” Denise added.

“Every club wants to be competing and there is a high expectation always with all of our teams.

“What I would like is to get in there and start getting the small things right and moving things on. I am a positive person.”