Lisa Clancy’s appointment was confirmed at the Annual General Meeting of Paralympics Ireland held at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown on Thursday, May 15th.
The new president had served as Vice President since 2021 and represented the board of Paralympics Ireland at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She brings a wealth of both professional and voluntary experience with her to the role. Lisa has been a member of the board of Paralympics Ireland since 2017 and is the Chairperson of the Strategy Committee. Former GAA Director of Communications, she now runs her own consultancy business providing strategic and communications advice to corporates and sports organisations across Ireland and globally. Amongst Lisa’s many achievements are her contributions to the Sport Ireland Women in Sport strategy and the design and delivery of a Women in Sports Leadership programme to over 600 women in Ireland and Europe.
Eimear Breathnach’s time as president came to an end with the completion of her term in the role following a near 10 years of service on the board of Paralympics Ireland. The 2-time Paralympic table tennis player served as president since 2021 and is responsible for the successful implementation of the Paralympics Ireland strategic plan and she played a key role in the re-organisation of Paralympics Ireland.
Also elected at the AGM were new Vice Presidents Lorcan Claffey and Patrice Dockery who will now serve on the Board of the organisation alongside Lisa Clancy, Lisa Fallon, Larry Fenlon, Lorcan/John and Darren Coombes.
Departing the Paralympics Ireland board at the end of their terms are Catherine Walsh, Eileen O’Mahony and Dennis Toomey.
Speaking about her appointment as President of Paralympics Ireland Lisa Clancy said “It is a huge honour to become the President of Paralympics Ireland, and I am really looking forward to the next four years as we focus on LA ’28 and build towards Brisbane ’32. I want to thank my predecessor and friend Eimear Breathnach, for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to Paralympic sport. Eimear has been a tireless advocate as an athlete, volunteer, administrator, classifier, and ultimately as President and her legacy has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead.
There is work to be done, beginning with the publication of our new strategic plan later this year. Sport has the power to drive social change and we are committed to leading that change. Through an athlete centred approach and collaboration with our staff, volunteers, families, sponsors and Sport Ireland, we will work to create opportunities, break down barriers, and inspire the next generation. Together, we can ensure that Paralympic sport continues to grow as a powerful force for inclusion, excellence and pride in Ireland and I am excited about the journey ahead.”
Outgoing president Eimear Breathnach said “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as president of Paralympics Ireland, it has been the honour of a lifetime. I have always loved Paralympic Sport and was fortunate enough to compete at two Paralympic Games and served as president for both Tokyo and Paris. After over a decade working on the board of the organisation I think this is the right time to move on. I want to wish Lisa the best in her presidency, I know that she will show incredible passion and energy in the role and will have the best of support from the board and from Stephen McNamara and his staff in Paralympics Ireland.”
