ATHLETICS Athletics Ireland appoints new Chief Executive

The President and Board of Athletics Ireland have today announced the appointment of Mary Coghlan as their new CEO.  The decision was ratified last night at an Athletics Ireland board meeting and Coghlan will replace Brendan Hackett as the new Chief Executive from the 19th of May.

The Crusaders club member has been Chair of the Athletics Ireland Finance and Risk Committee for the past two years.  Coghlan is also a qualified actuary and has extensive experience in accounting and finance and has a degree in mathematics from Oxford University.

Her family is steeped in athletics history with her brother Peter, ten times an national champion, holding the Irish record for the 110m Hurdles, while Mary herself has captained Crusaders AC and represented the club at 100m, 200m, and 400m.

"I am delighted to be appointed CEO of what is Ireland's most successful international sports organisation. Athletics Ireland is in the very fortunate and enviable position of receiving outstanding support from the Irish Sports Council as well as having thousands of volunteers up and down the length and breath of the country who coach children, organise competitions and build facilities out of a sense of passionate community involvement.

"My 2 years experience on the board has equipped me well for the challenges that lie ahead and I am really looking forward to working in close cooperation with the Irish Sports Council, our 25,000 members, the current staff, sponsors and partners to ensure the continued success of our sport," Coghlan said following the announcement.

This weekend will also see the election of a new President and Board of Athletics Ireland at the Annual Congress, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday in the Radisson SAS Dublin Airport.

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For further information:
Declan Lee – O’Herlihy Communications – 01 660 2744 / 087 695 7451