COUNCILLOR Mick Finn is the first sitting Lord Mayor of Cork to be elected chairman of a leading GAA club.

Cllr Finn took over as chairman of St Finbarr’s hurling club at their AGM last night, succeeding Denis Harrington who now becomes vice-chair after his very successful stint at the helm.

It was a very special night for the Finn family, one that is steeped in the best traditions of the club as the Lord Mayor’s brother, Paul, was elected secretary, succeeding Tony Maher who has given the club sterling service in that role for the best part of the last 20 years.

Another member of the Finn family, Tim, a former star player, is a member of the senior hurling team management.

Reacting to his appointment, Lord Mayor Finn told the Echo that he was privileged and honoured to have been chosen in the position.

“Yes indeed, it’s a great honour for myself and the family. I was approached about the position and felt that I could contribute, but my duties as Lord Mayor will take precedence over everything else while I am in the office.

“I am following some iconic Barrs men in the position, men like Tony Maher, Gerald and Charlie McCarthy and a host of others. The Barrs is a unique club and, hopefully, I can bring something in the position that will benefit the club.

“I believe that our hurlers are in a position to make further progress after last season when we did well in the championship and reached the final of county senior hurling league.’’

Having his brother Paul alongside him as secretary made last night’s AGM an extra special one.

“Indeed, Paul has been involved in the club too in various roles and will do a great job. He has big shoes to fill in Tony Maher’s who gave such wonderful service to the Barrs.

“It’s a special night for the family, we have been involved nearly since the foundation of the club and my father was vice-chairman of the club back in the 1990s.

Former Cork star Ronan Curran remains in charge of the club’s senior hurlers for another season and they have been paired alongside Carrigtwohill in the opening round of the SHC.