Presidents of the GAA: Edward Bennet

Edward Bennet (1845-1910), of Newmarket-on-Fergus, was the second president of the GAA (1887-1888).

A participant in the 1867 Rising, Bennet was involved in athletics in Co. Clare, as well as the Land League and Home Rule movements[1].

Bennet became the first chairman of the Clare GAA county committee.

By 1887, the GAA had become split along political lines, and Bennet received the nomination of the IRB, and was elected president. His presidency was brief, however, lasting only two months before Archbishop Croke intervened to heal the split. Maurice Davin was re-elected, and Bennet lost not only his presidency, but his place on the Clare county board.