Sport Ireland - Gary Keegan to leave Institute of Sport role

Sport Ireland has announced that Irish Institute of Sport Director Gary Keegan will leave his post with the organisation in September to take up a new business venture.

Keegan, who took up the role in September 2008 following the Beijing Olympics, has established the Irish Institute of Sport as one of the world leaders in the preparation and development of not just high performance athletes, but also high performance coaches. The Institute has grown to become a significant catalyst in driving the evolution of high performance sport in Ireland and now supports 20 sports and over 250 athletes.

Speaking about his departure, Keegan was keen to pay tribute to those with whom he has worked: “It has been a true honour and an absolute privilege to lead the Team at the Institute of Sport which supports Ireland’s best athletes, coaches and leaders to perform on the international stage. I want to thank my own management team and staff and the many athletes, coaches and leaders whom I have had the pleasure of working with and supporting.”

Commenting on his future plans, Keegan stated: “My decision to depart at this time reflects my desire and appetite for a new challenge in my own pursuit of excellence. My intention moving forward is to launch a new high performance support offering for the world of business in early 2017.

“I want to thank the Board, CEO John Treacy and my colleagues at Sport Ireland for all their support and commitment to the Institute of Sport. Prior to my departure after the Paralympic Games in September, I will be working closely with Sport Ireland to achieve a successful handover to a new leader. In the interim my immediate focus is to continue to provide every necessary support to Team Ireland at the 2016 Games.”

Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey, paid tribute to Keegan and all that he achieved with the Institute: “Gary has been an inspirational leader to the Irish Institute of Sport, and has played a pivotal role in the transformation of high performance sport in Ireland.

“The Institute has grown under his directorship, and the results amongst our top athletes working out of The Institute have continued on an upward curve. This reflects his own level of motivation, commitment and his ability to get the very best out of our top athletes. I would like to thank Gary for his contribution and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

John Treacy, CEO of Sport Ireland, thanked Keegan for his contribution to Ireland’s international success: “This year saw the opening of the new High Performance Centre at The Institute, a world class facility which is the envy of many. This has been just one product of the planning, dedication and vision Gary has displayed throughout his time at the helm, and will leave a legacy that will impact on our performance on the world stage for many years to come.

“I would like express my gratitude to Gary for all he has done for Irish sport and I know that he will continue to be an inspiration to many as he starts a new chapter.”