Kilkenny's Nickey Brennan won today's presidential election at the GAA's annual Congress.
He beat Corkman Christy Cooney by 171 votes to 154 and succeeds Seán Kelly .
The vote was overshadowed by the amendment to the controversial Rule 42 which was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Today's was the first straight contest for the presidency since Joe McDonagh defeated Seán McCague three elections ago.
Brennan is a supporter of the motion to devolve authority in the Rule 42 issue to Central Council but has not commented on whether he agrees with the staging of soccer and rugby at headquarters.
Cooney was opposed to any relaxation of Rule 42.
Brennan enjoyed an esteemed playing career and was an All-Ireland winner at different levels. He was also county manager of both the hurling and football teams.
The 51-year-old is attached to the Conahy Shamrocks club and is also the outgoing Leinster Council chairman.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Mr John O'Donoghue today paid tribute to outgoing GAA president Sean Kelly for his leadership on Rule 42 for what he said was a "very important and sensitive issue."