LIAM HARBISON, THE current chief executive of Paralympics Ireland, has been appointed as the new Director of the Sport Ireland Institute.
Harbison replaces Gary Keegan, who stepped down form his role earlier this year, and will take up his new position in early February.
The tasks involved include ensuring Ireland’s top athletes receive best supports available, as well as leading the ongoing development of a world class culture within the Sport Ireland Institute.
Harbison has a proven track record in the area of high performance sport, having served as Paralympics Ireland’s Performance Director before taking up the role of CEO in 2008. He also served as Team Ireland’s Chef de Mission for the highly successful 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
The time he spent at Paralympics Ireland can be deemed hugely successful. At the recent Rio Games, Team Ireland returned with 11 medals, surpassing the pre-Games target of 8 medals.
“Through his impressive work with Paralympics Ireland, Liam has clearly shown that he has the attributes to continue the great work of the Institute in providing world class supports to Ireland’s leading athletes,” Sport Ireland chairman Kieran Mulvey said of the appointment.
“This is an exciting time for the Institute on the back of the opening of the new High Performance Training Centre earlier this year and as we enter into a new Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
“On behalf of Sport Ireland, I would like to welcome Liam and wish him the very best in the new role.”
Commenting on his own appointment, Harbison looks forward to the challenge.
“While sorry to be leaving the Paralympic movement after 14 great years and the many great people I’ve had the privilege of working with and for, I’m excited by the new opportunity and challenge of directing the Sport Ireland Institute.
“I look forward to working with the Sport Ireland Institute and the National Governing Bodies to continue the great work in world class service delivery to Ireland’s athletes through to Tokyo 2020.”
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