Presidents of the GAA: Bob O’Keefe

Bob O’Keefe (1880-1949), Laois, was the twelfth president of the GAA (1935-1938).

Born in Glengrant, Co. Kilkenny, Bob was interested in sports from an early age. He never played for Kilkenny[1], but when his work as a teacher took him to Laois, he played as part of the Ballygeehan team that won the 1915 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.

He was secretary of the Leinster Council until the time of his death, and president of the GAA from 1935 to 1938.

After his death, the GAA donated a trophy in his memory. The Bob O’Keefe Cup is given to the winners of the Leinster Final each year. Although the original trophy has been retired, its replacement continues to bear his name.