John Costello is to retire as chief executive of Dublin GAA later this year after almost three decades in the role.
Costello was appointed in 1994 and is credited with implementing structures that culminated in the most successful decade in the county’s history as they won eight All-Ireland senior football titles between 2011 and ‘20 having established a stranglehold on the Leinster Championship long before that.
In addition, Dublin hurling has enjoyed a resurgence during his tenure with the team winning League and Leinster titles in 2011 and ‘13 respectively after going decades without any success of note, albeit they have regressed somewhat in the meantime.
In a statement, Dublin GAA said that the Whitehall Colmcilles clubman had “overseen the reorganisation and growth of the association in the capital through a number of significant initiatives including the implementation of the strategic plan - ‘The Blue Wave’ - in 2011”.
He will formally retire this coming October and “the process to find a successor to ensure a smooth transition is underway”.
Costello commented: “It has been an extraordinary honour and privilege to serve Dublin GAA as CEO, a role I have enjoyed immensely and where my primary focus was always on sustaining and enhancing the association in Dublin.
“I am proud of the organisation we have today and the impact we have in our community. This is as a result of the collective efforts of remarkable individuals - dedicated officers, committees, staff, players, team managements, sponsorship partners and especially the club volunteers who administer and promote our games at local level.
“I would like to thank my wife Marie and family, without their unfailing support over almost thirty years none of this would have been possible.”
Dublin chairman Mick Seavers paid tribute to Costello’s contribution, saying that his “calm demeanour, leadership and deep understanding of the GAA and its place in Irish society have been instrumental in charting an effective course for the development of Gaelic games in our capital city”.
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