Before being elected president of the GAA his passion for the game and the organization were entwined in his everyday life. He served as Chairman of the East Kerry (1975-1987) and County Kerry Boards (1987-1997) and Munster Council (1997-2000). He also was one of the founding members of the St.Pats East Kerry hurling team in 1984.

As the first Kerryman to hold the position of President of the GAA his presidency is seen as a landmark one in moving forward the Association on so many fronts – the introduction of Christy Ring Cup and Nicky Rackard Cup, Tommy Murphy Cup, All-Ireland Junior and Intermediate Championships.

He also oversaw the completion of the Croke Park re-development through the completion of Hill 16/Northern end and the building of the Croke Park Jury’s Hotel. He introduced the President’s Awards and developed a great working relationship with the GPA and initiated major improvements in player welfare matters.

One of the watershed events during his presidency was the successful conclusion of arrangements for the use of Croke Park, the GAA’s 82,500 capacity national stadium, by the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland while Lansdowne Road is being re-developed.