This is the first instalment of a series that will introduce the CGAA County Executive and Management Committee members, and shine some well-deserved light on the breadth and depth of experience that is working to support Gaelic Games across the country. Over the next few weeks, we plan to highlight all the Executive and Management Committee members.
Name: Sean Harte
Position on County Executive Committee/Management Committee:
- Vice Chairperson, acting Chairperson 2021
- Chairperson 2015/2020
Current Club: St Michael’s Hurling & Football Club, Toronto 1988/Present
Past Clubs:
- St. Vincent’s Hurling & Football Club, Toronto 1974/1988
- Loch Mhic Ruairí Naomh Treasa Tyrone 1972/1974
- An Charraig Mhór G.F.C 1965/1972
Notable Playing Highlights & Awards:
- 1972 Tyrone minor championship medal Carrickmore St. Colmcille’s 1972
- West Tyrone league medal Loughmacrory St. Teresa’s 1974
- North American championship medal St. Vincent’s Hurling & Football Club 1976
- Several Toronto Divisional league and championship medals 74/88
Refereeing Highlights: Over 35 years experience as a referee in Canada
- Officiated games between Toronto Select Teams V Clubs travelling from Ireland, such as Elphin GAA, Roscommon; St. Paul’s GAC, Antrim; St. Johns, Antrim; Lamh Derg, Antrim; St. Jude’s, Dublin; and Bank of Ireland Select
- Officiated divisional championships in Toronto, Eastern Canada, and Western Canada, as well as international games & tournaments
- Referee tutor since 2002
- USGAA Mid West Divisional Leagues & Championships
- Powerscreen tournaments in Canada and Florida
- Tyrone Senior League
- Continental Youth Championships (CYC)
- New York Minor Championships, Gaelic Park New York. May 2015
- NYPD Tournament Gaelic Park New York. July 2016
- Rockland GAA (Clubhouse opening day July 2017) Rockland GAA V Clogher Eire Ogs Tyrone
1. Sean and wife Noelle with Uachtarán John Horan Toronto 2018, John was in Toronto attending the St. Pat’s 50th Anniversary celebration. 2. Return match A&P Dominion Cup, Coalisland Co. Tyrone 1991, with Fianna captain Martin Early, Sean’s 5 year old son Justin was the Toronto mascot. 3. Presentation to retiring Ulster GAA Chairperson Michael Hasson, Toronto December 2018. 4. A refereeing action shot Toronto 2016.
GAA Leadership Experience/Executive committee/Coaching:
- Club Vice Chairperson 1976/1978
- North American Board Divisional registrar 1976/1978
- Founding member Irish Canadians Gaelic Football Club
- Toronto Divisional Chairperson 1990/92
- Management Team Toronto Select Senior Men’s tour, Dublin, Cork, Coalisland and Belfast 1991
- Toronto Divisional Chairperson 2009
- Toronto Divisional Treasurer 2010
- Toronto Divisional Chairperson 2012/2013
- County CCC Chairperson 2013/2014
- County Chairperson 2015/2020
- County Vice Chairperson 2021
Personal Highlights
- Watching my first All Ireland Final on a black & white TV, 1968 Down V Kerry
- Winning the North American Football Championship 1976
- Hosting the legendary Voice of Ireland, the late Michael O’Heir: Toronto 1985
- Organising committee SkyDome Games Tyrone V Dublin. 1990
- Organising committee LGFA All Star Week Toronto 2012
- Representing Canada at annual GAA & LGFA Congress
- Current member of Club Tyrone & Club Garvaghey
- Croke Park when Tyrone won the All Ireland 2003, and captain Peter Canavan lifted the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in Tyrone’s history.
- Being elected CGAA County Chairperson
- My Canadian born children playing Gaelic Games, son Justin winning Toronto Senior Footballer of the year 2013
- Awarded the Services to the GAA Overseas award 2019.
- The growth of Gaelic Games at adult and underage level across Canada
- The opportunity to be a part of Canada GAA for the last 47 years, and to engage with so many outstanding CGAA volunteers at Club, Divisional and County level
1. Home Club commemoration, Loughmacrory 2018. 2. A&P Dominion Cup Centennial Park Toronto September 1990, with captains Damian O’Hagan Coalisland & Finbar Sheehan Toronto. 3. Burlington Hotel Dublin September 2003, with Tyrone’s All Ireland winning captain Peter Canavan. 4. With Michael Gavin, father of the late David in the Breaffy GAA Clubhouse February 2118. The Cup has been named in honour of David and is awarded to the Mayo Senor Mens League winners. 5. International Award presentation in Bundoran 2019, with O’Neills Sportswear Managing Director Kieran Kennedy.
Personal Information:
- Born in Loughmacrory County Tyrone
- Emigrated to Canada 1974
- Married to wife Noelle 1976
- Two children, Justin & Catherine
- Three grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brayden & Declan
Professional Background:
- Qualified mechanical engineer in Ireland
- Owner of Creggan Insurance Brokers Inc. a specialty insurance brokerage which provides risk management, insurance, claims and other services and solutions tailored to the taxi and limousine sector.
