Following an extensive recruitment process, Mark Kennelly
has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ireland. Prior
to taking up the role in December 2019 Kennelly will begin engaging with Golf
Ireland from mid-October as CEO Designate on a part-time basis, to facilitate
his preparations.
Kennelly was Chief of Staff at the Department of the
Taoiseach, during the term of Enda Kenny from 2011 to 2017. He is a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing
Club in Co. Kerry.
Speaking about the appointment, Tim O’Connor, Chairperson of
the Transition Board of Golf Ireland said: “I am delighted with Mark’s
appointment. He brings a wealth of experience from the very senior positions he
has held in the public and political sectors. His knowledge and understanding
of the importance of volunteers from the world of politics will stand him in
great stead in Golf Ireland, given the pivotal role they play in our sport.
“Golf on the island of Ireland is moving forward in an
exciting and dynamic way, building on its great history and tradition, and
having somebody of Mark’s calibre and qualities in such a key leadership role
is a tremendous boost to us on that journey.”
“My colleagues on the Transition Board, and also in the GUI
and ILGU, are greatly looking forward to working with him in implementing the
historic decision of members of the two Unions in January to create one single
governing body on the island of Ireland for our great sport.”
Mark Kennelly said: “As we enter a new and exciting era for
Irish golf, I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part in the
creation and evolution of Golf Ireland. Building on the remarkable heritage and
achievements of the GUI and the ILGU, the new single governing body will ensure
that golf will continue to grow and flourish on the island of Ireland in the
future.
“I look forward to working closely in the months ahead with
the Transition Board, with the officers and staff of the GUI and ILGU, after 1
January 2021 with the Board and other structures of Golf Ireland, and with the
very many volunteers who are the lifeblood of golf throughout the island to
make these plans a reality.”
O’Connor added: “We are entering a crucial time in the
transition period and I am delighted that both Sinead Heraty and Pat Finn will
work closely with Mark Kennelly during what will be a lengthy handover
process.”
“They have both helped deliver the project to where we are
today and I welcome their commitment to ensure we have a smooth transition. I
would also like to acknowledge their decisions to pursue other ambitions
outside of Golf Ireland in the future and thank them for their integrity and
assistance in getting us to this point, a very exciting time for the sport”.
