Outgoing Dublin chairman John Bailey was last night defeated in the race for the county's vice-chairman position. In the election at the county convention in Parnell Park, he lost out to Danny O'Connor from the St Sylvester's club.

Under regulation Bailey had to step aside at the conclusion of his five-year term but he had argued that, with the incoming chair Gerry Harrington (elected unopposed) it was important to ensure some continuity in office over the year ahead.

In the end the margin was surprisingly decisive. O'Connor received 129 votes to Bailey's 69 with 14 going for Tommy Baneham from the O'Dwyer's club.

Gerry Brady was returned as the county's Central Council delegate after Bailey withdrew from that contest. It marks an end for the moment to Bailey's career with the Dublin board, which has seen him serve two full terms as county chairman. He also represented Dublin at Central Council for a year.

The convention was also addressed by GAA president Seán Kelly, who made a wide-ranging speech. Among the issues raised was the status of UCD's hurling team in the county championship. The matter had become contentious with this year's back-to-back title wins by the university, which led to a number of club captains threatening withdrawal from next year's championship if the situation was not addressed.

Whereas Kelly didn't directly intervene he drew the attention of the meeting to the sub-committee he had established at national level, and which was accepted by last weekend's Central Council meeting, to look into the whole question of eligibility and participation of third-level clubs in county championships. The implication was that this might be a suitable forum to consider the matter.

Notices of motion have been received for the next meeting of the county committee, urging restrictions be placed on UCD in future championships.

John Costello, the county chief executive, said last night that games development and coaching would be the major challenges facing the county in the 12 months ahead.

"The appointment of Games Promotion Officers and the way in which we utilise funds from the Irish Sports Council will be the main priority. We need to strengthen the links between clubs and schools and establish new clubs in the county."

He added that a media conference would be held in the new year to give an update on the development blueprint launched by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, just over 12 months ago.