Mayo native honoured with Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025 Award for UK work
The GAA has announced the recipients of Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025 – the prestigious annual awards presented by the GAA president that acknowledge outstanding commitment and long service across the club and county network – and a Mayo native is among the recipients for his UK work.
Martin (Murt) Grogan of Warwickshire GAA is a native of Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, and will receive this year’s International Award.
Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025 will be broadcast live tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30 p.m. on TG4 at 7.30 p.m.
Murt was born in 1950 to Clarence and Delia Grogan and grew up in Clare Street alongside his five sisters (Mary, Martha, Patricia, Anna and Helen) and two younger brothers (Clar and the late Joe). After leaving school he worked locally in Donnellan's and played for the local club.
In 1974, Murt traveled to Coventry with Ballyhaunis GAA for a weekend trip. Over 50 years later he's still there!
Not surprisingly, Murt joined Coventry Roger Casements GAA Club and became club treasurer. The Coventry club has always had strong links with Ballyhaunis, with several Ballyhaunis natives – such as Bernard Keane, Sean, Michael and Bernard Waldron, and the Benson brothers – among its players and officers. Murt played a major role in the club’s growth and development, both on and off the pitch.
Over time his involvement in the GAA expanded, taking on key roles at the county and provincial board levels. He played a significant part in the development of Páirc na hÉireann in Solihull, a facility that has become a focal point for Gaelic games in the region.
Murt remains deeply committed to Ballyhaunis GAA, Roger Casement's GAA, and the wider GAA community. He continues to stay active, managing the clubhouse and maintaining the grounds at Páirc na hÉireann. His influence is still very much felt today, with a legacy built on hard work, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to his heritage.
Ballyhaunis GAA has congratulated Murt on this well-deserved accolade, extending best wishes to his wife Mary (a native of Donegal) and their children Donal, Vincent and Clara, his sister Martha, and the entire Grogan family of Clare Street.
Murt now joins fellow Ballyhaunis GAA stalwarts Johnny Biesty and Hugh Rudden as a recipient of this illustrious award.
Ballyhaunis GAA also congratulates Joe Reapy of Davitts GAA, who will receive the Connacht Award for his outstanding contribution to his club and community.
GAA President Jarlath Burns stated: “I am delighted that for my first Gradaim an Uachtaráin, we have assembled a diverse list of people who have each made a lasting contribution to ensuring that the promotion of Gaelic games continues to go from strength to strength.”