Former Consul General of Ireland in New York takes leadership role with Golf Ireland Transition Board
Tim
O’Connor has been appointed to the role of Chairman of the Transition
Board of Golf Ireland. This follows on from the historic approval of the
Golf Ireland proposal by golf clubs last
month where 94% of the GUI ballot and 100% of the ILGU vote signalled a
new beginning for the sport across Ireland.
The
board, which is charged with getting Golf Ireland up and running ahead
of the official launch of the body in 2021 includes four representatives
from both the ILGU and GUI with O’Connor
as an independent chairman.
Speaking about his role
Tim O’Connor said: “I am honoured to be asked to be the Chairman
of the Transition Board of Golf Ireland and I look forward to working
with my fellow Directors, and the GUI and ILGU, to making the new
organisation a reality. I see the establishment
of Golf Ireland as a historic new beginning for the sport in Ireland,
building on the great work over generations by the GUI and the ILGU.
Change is never easy and I pay tribute to both Unions, their Affiliate
Clubs and members of them around the island, for
recognising the need to evolve and taking such a forward-thinking and
important step in creating one governing body for the sport.
Golf
is a wonderful sport, which contributes so much in terms of fun, health
and well-being to the lives of all who play it, men and women, young
and old. The establishment of Golf Ireland
means for the first time we have a singular structure to promote and
develop the sport, driven by the values of equality, inclusion and
respect for diversity. Golf is set for an exciting future in Ireland,
based on one vision and one voice. I look forward
to making my contribution to such an exciting and positive project.”
Clodagh Hopkins,
Chair of the ILGU Board said: “Tim’s appointment to lead the Transition
Board for Golf Ireland is an
important first step in building a governing body which will be built
around promoting core principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and
excellence. I have absolute faith in Tim to ensure Golf Ireland has
robust foundations as we move towards a better
future for golf in Ireland”
Iggy Ó Muircheartaigh,
Chairman of the GUI Board said: “We are very lucky to have someone of
Tim’s experience and integrity
to lead the Transition Board for the Golf Ireland project. Not only has
he vast experience at a diplomatic level, he is a keen golfer and full
of enthusiasm for the job ahead. I am confident that Golf Ireland will
be established on firm foundations with Tim’s
leadership”.
The Transition Board in full:
Chairman: Tim O’Connor
ILGU Nominated Directors: Pauline Bailie, Mary Culliton, Brege McCarrick, Fiona Scott
GUI Nominated Directors: Ian Kerr, Joe McNamara, John Power, Brian Punch
