The GAA Presidency is a hugely prestigious role. Not only do they act as the figurehead of the Association, but they are also given the power to implement some real change during their time in office.
Of course, the position does change hands on a regular basis. The term for the presidency lasts only three years, meaning it is somewhat of a revolving door in terms of the personnel in control.
This does make it difficult to implement long lasting change. While many recent presidents have introduced their own initiatives, the nature of the role means it is difficult to establish a long-term vision for the GAA. In short, a given president can move in a completely different direction to his predecessor, something that make consistency difficult.
As a result, some are calling for a major change.
Ciaran Whelan calls for big change to GAA presidency
Ciaran Whelan believes that the GAA could be better served by handing the president a larger term in office, something that would allow them to bring in some real changes and establish an identity moving forward.
Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, the former Dublin star said that this is a change that should be considered.
Everyone will ask at the end of a GAA President's term, 'what was their legacy?'
What is the role of the President? It's somewhere between that ambassadorial role and representing the GAA on the ground and at grassroots level.
It also slides into strategic vision. I don't know the exact structures by they [the President] are the end of the line in terms of the ultimate decision maker for the period they are in office.
It's been tradition, it's been there for a long, long time, but the three-year period is too short. It's very hard for somebody to go in and really deliver their full vision in a three-year period...
Three years is a short time for anybody to put a footprint [on it]. Any CEO going into other organisations would have a longer contract to deliver what their values of vision is.
We're a very slow changing organisation. When it comes to radical changes you have to go back to the well a few times at Congress to bring through significant change.
This would be an interesting change. It would certainly allow more scope for real change within the GAA as presidents are given time to implement long-term plans.
However, considering the amount of people that covet the role, you'd imagine it might be difficult to convince them to introduce a rule change that would lessen their chances of being elected in the future.
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