Frank Dineen (1862-1916), Ballylanders, Co. Limerick, was the fourth president of the GAA (1895-1898).
An athlete in the 1880s, Dineen was the fastest Irish sprinter of his day[1]. After his retirement from athletics, in addition to his work in the administration of the GAA, he was also a writer for “Sport”. He the only person to serve as both president and secretary of the GAA, serving as secretary from 1889 to 1901. He was also a founder of Ballylanders Shamrocks[2].
His greatest legacy is the purchase of Croke Park. Dineen bought the ground in 1908, holding it in trust for the GAA, which at the time was not able to purchase the land itself. Between 1908 and 1910 he oversaw development of the ground, paying for the improvements himself[3].
In 2006, Hill 16 was renamed Dineen/Hill 16 in his honour[4].
