John Bailey shocked delegates to last night's Dublin County Board Convention by opting out of the contest for the post of county chairman.

Sean Egan, the outgoing chairman, was then left unopposed and was installed for a second year in office.

Bailey who will be always associated with the magnificent restoration of Parnell Park had served for five years as county chairman up to last year when he took up the position of vice-chairman, a position from which he also withdrew last evening.

Given the degree of publicity that the controversial contest for the position had realised in recent weeks, Bailey's announcement stunned last night's full attendance.

Afterwards Bailey indicated that it was some of that publicity that prompted him to come to his decision. "I have a wife and family and it's better that they are not subjected to the events in print over the past few days," he said. He added: "It's not about personalities. That Dublin goes forward united is more important.

"I am not splitting totally with Dublin GAA. I will be going back to the club grass roots, my Cuala club in Dalkey to continue serving in the association," he added.

Chairman Sean Egan told the delegates in his address that he has experienced some inspiring aspects over the past year in office.

He said that Tommy Carr has instilled a fresh belief in the county footballers and assured the convention that they can look forward to a good 1999.

In terms of the Leinster championship he said that new structuring is not far away and he could envisage a group system before a knock out stage in the provincial championships.

On a lighter note the Leinster council chairman, Jim Berry, said that Dublin will have to share the hill with the other counties during the coming season as work on the canal end continues. He thanked the central council for the £1 million grant over 10 years without interest to help the county board in its present financial position. That position for the year ending realised a deficit of £99,677.

The Civil Service motion calling for the deletion of Rule 21 which deals with the banning of RUC members playing the association's games was withdrawn.