Michael Feeney was one of the most powerful figures in the GAA when secretary of the Ulster Council. He was head of the northern province and had his finger on all that was happening.
Feeney, who lived in Ballybay, Co Monaghan, taught in the local primary school for almost 30 years and was a prominent figure in GAA circles in the county. Working his way up from club administration, he became secretary of the Monaghan County Board and then took over as chairman.
But it was at provincial level that he really made his mark. He was elected to the Ulster Council as a Monaghan delegate in 1959 and held various positions before becoming vice-president and then president. He held the last post from 1967 until 1971 and then served as treasurer until 1976.
He then handed in the chequebook and succeeded the late Gerry Arthurs as secretary of the Ulster Council, a part-time post. He continued to teach and to run GAA affairs from his home. On retirement from teaching in 1989, he became the first full-time paid secretary of the Ulster Council.
From the council's offices in Clones Mr Feeney controlled all matters relating to the GAA in the province, and was also influential in decisions taken elsewhere. He was instrumental in having St Tiernach's Park declared the headquarters for games in the province, and in the redevelopment of the park.
When rumours of sex abuse surfaced in 1997 he stood down from office. But he remained on the payroll until he pleaded guilty in July of this year.
Feeney has also served on many committees at Croke Park and throughout his life was an ardent GAA man.
None of the cases had any connection with his role in the GAA.