ARMAGH’S JARLATH BURNS has been elected as the 41st President of the GAA.

The Silverbridge native will succeed Larry McCarthy in the position, after holding off competition from Pat Teehan (Offaly) and Niall Erskine (Donegal).

Burns was elected during the GAA’s Annual Congress at Croke Park this evening. He will serve a three-year term from 2024.

Comhghairdeas to Jarlath Burns of @SilverbridgeGAA and @Armagh_GAA who has been elected as Uachtarán Tofa at #GAACongress tonight! #GAACongress #GAABelong

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 17, 2023

The 55-year-old was confirmed for a second run at the GAA presidency when nominated by Armagh GAA in November. He led the early counts in 2020 before eventually losing out to McCarthy by 10 votes.

A former captain of the Armagh senior footballers, Burns was the first players’ representative to sit on central council in 2000. He later returned as central council delegate for Armagh GAA and has been a member of the Armagh and Ulster management committees.

At national level, he has served as chairman of both the standing committee on the playing rules and the 125th-anniversary committee.

Comhghairdeas to Jarlath Burns who has been elected as Uachtarán Tofa at #GAACongress tonight.

What a poignant and proud moment for our county. Well done Jarlath👏#BackBurns @SilverbridgeGAA pic.twitter.com/5pjDupSiD0

— Armagh_GAA (@Armagh_GAA) February 17, 2023

Burns has called for government investment in new pitches for clubs to facilitate integration of the GAA with the Camogie Association and LGFA and wishes to undertake an updated amateur status review, encompassing the demands on inter-county players and the financial pressures on county boards.

McCarthy still has one year left in his term, with Burns becoming president-elect for the coming year until officially taking office at Congress 2024 next February.

This evening’s vote was held by secret ballot, with one vote for each delegate at Congress in a proportional representation system.

Jarlath Burns is elected the new GAA president on the first count. pic.twitter.com/Q70Qj10iLY

— Diarmuid Pepper (@Diarmuid_9) February 17, 2023

- Additional reporting from Stephen Barry.

Get instant updates on the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues on The42 app. Brought to you by Allianz Insurance, proud sponsors of the Allianz Leagues for over 30 years.