The 42

WEXFORD’S DEREK KENT has been elected as the 42nd President of the GAA.

The former Leinster GAA chairman will succeed Jarlath Burns in the position, after holding off competition from Ger Ryan (Tipperary) and John Murphy (Sligo).

Kent was elected during the GAA’s Annual Congress at Croke Park this evening. He will serve a three-year term from 2027.

BREAKING NEWS: Derek Kent was elected Uachtarán Tofa of the #GAA at Annual Congress this evening.
The @OfficialWexGAA native will become the 42nd President of the Association at next year’s Annual Congress. #GAABelong pic.twitter.com/fAo23tUUoR

— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 27, 2026

Leinster chairman from 2023 until January, Kent previously served as Wexford chair between 2017 and 2020. The Taghmon/Camross clubman fulfilled the role of games administrator in Wexford, and was part of the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee from 2021 to 2024.

Within his chairman role in Leinster, Kent was central to the province’s football championship semi-finals being moved out of Croke Park last year, when Meath ended Dublin’s 14-year dominance and Louth went on to win their first title since 1957.

Kent also served on the national infrastructure committee for nine years, while he works for his family business, Kent Stainless Steel.

Comghairdeas le Derek Kent who tonight has been elected Uctharán Tofa CLG.

A proud day for Leinster and his native Wexford as he will become the 42nd President of the Association next year.

A life steeped in service to our games stand him in good stead as he takes this coveted… pic.twitter.com/l5vI8GLvIw

— Leinster GAA (@gaaleinster) February 27, 2026

He becomes the third GAA President from Wexford, following in the footsteps of Michael Kehoe (1949-52) and Patrick Breen (1924-26).

Kent was elected on the first count, and his term will begin at next year’s Congress.

Written by Emma Duffy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.