Cumann Lúthchleas Gael has announced the recipients of the Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2026, with Tyrone’s own Gerard Bradley named as the Ulster award recipient in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding service to the Association.
These prestigious annual awards, organised with the support of AIB and broadcast by TG4, are presented by GAA President Jarlath Burns to acknowledge individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the promotion and development of Gaelic games at club and county level.
Now running for more than 20 years, Gradaim an Uachtaráin celebrates volunteers from across the GAA community who consistently go above and beyond in service of their clubs, counties and communities. The awards span a wide range of areas including provincial, educational and Irish language categories, as well as recognising contributions to Ladies football, Camogie, World GAA and Handball. The 2026 Dermot Earley Family Award has been presented to the Ward family from Galway.
Speaking at the announcement, Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said:
“The people being celebrated tonight are the faces of the GAA, the people we see every week, every month and every year – all giving selflessly to make our clubs, counties and communities the thriving Gaelic games hubs that they are.
The GAA cannot function without the incredible work of the volunteer army that makes us the extraordinary movement that we have been since 1884. The people being honoured are, in their own way, ambassadors for the many thousands like them who make the GAA what it is.”
A Tyrone Volunteer for All Seasons
A man for all seasons and an exceptional volunteer, Gerard Bradley is the very definition of someone who is always willing to step up when there is a need.
From Gortin in Co. Tyrone, Gerard is a much-loved retired Chemistry and Physics teacher who first served his local St Patrick’s Gortin club as a player during the 1970s and 1980s. His impact on the Association, however, truly flourished following his move into administration.
Gerard became involved at county level in 1987 when he was appointed Tyrone Youth Officer, before being elected County Treasurer in 1991 – a role he would hold for a full decade. During that time, he acted as the county’s financial controller, working tirelessly to introduce robust and effective financial structures as the scale and complexity of county activity continued to grow.
In 2001, Gerard took on the role of County IT Officer and once again left a lasting mark, helping to position Tyrone as one of the leading counties in the country in this area. His expertise across both finance and IT saw several GAA Presidents invite him to serve on national sub-committees, where his insight and contribution were – and continue to be – highly valued.
Since 1991, Gerard has been a constant presence on the Tyrone Finance Committee and has served on the County Committee in a wide variety of roles. To many supporters, however, he is best known as the familiar and reassuring face at the gate. As a gate steward, Gerard can be found managing the safe entry of fans at virtually every Tyrone fixture, as well as at the vast majority of Ulster Championship games.
There is just one proviso to his availability – he must be back home in Gortin on a Saturday evening to call the bingo numbers in his local clubhouse.
Gerard Bradley’s Gradaim an Uachtaráin award is richly deserved recognition of decades of selfless service, dedication and quiet leadership. Tyrone GAA is immensely proud to see one of its most valued volunteers honoured at national level.
By Rory Cox Fri 30th Jan
