Paralympics Ireland held its Annual General Meeting for 2025 online on Tuesday, May 13, bringing together members to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future of Paralympic sport in Ireland.
The AGM was chaired by Paralympics Ireland President, Lisa Clancy, who reflected on a significant period for the organisation following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the continued progress being made across high performance sport, athlete pathways and organisational development.
President Lisa Clancy acknowledged the achievements of Team Ireland in Paris and the work taking place across the wider Paralympic movement to support athletes, coaches and member organisations.
Chief Executive Officer Stephen McNamara addressed members and reflected on the progress made across the organisation over the last year, highlighting the continued delivery of Paralympics Ireland’s strategic priorities and the momentum generated following Paris 2024.
McNamara recognised the role of athletes, staff, member organisations, partners and sponsors in supporting Team Ireland, while outlining the opportunities ahead as Paralympics Ireland continues preparations towards future Games cycles.
Members also reflected on the continued development of disability sport in Ireland and the importance of collaboration across the sector to strengthen pathways and create opportunities for athletes at every stage of their sporting journey.
During the meeting, members approved the adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Accounts, while updates were provided on governance and organisational matters.
The AGM also saw the announcement of John Bolger as Company Treasurer. His appointment brings further experience and support to the organisation as Paralympics Ireland continues to strengthen its governance structures and long-term planning.
Cathy Dunne-Fitzpatrick was remembered during the AGM following her passing earlier this year. A four-time Paralympian, Cathy represented Ireland at the 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992 Paralympic Games, competing across athletics events including discus, shot put, javelin and pentathlon. Her greatest success came at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games where she won silver in the Women’s Discus Throw 3 and bronze in the Women’s Pentathlon 3.
Cathy was recognised as one of the athletes who helped shape Ireland’s Paralympic movement and earlier this year attended UnParalleled: A Celebration of Ireland’s Paralympic Past, where she was presented with her official Paralympic number, Irish Paralympian #37.
The tribute also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as UnParalleled: A Celebration of Ireland’s Paralympic Past, which recognise and reconnect with the athletes who represented Ireland in the early years of the Paralympic movement. Events such as UnParalleled ensure that the achievements and experiences of Ireland’s pioneering Paralympians continue to be recognised, while helping to strengthen the connection between the sport’s history, its present success and its future development.
Paralympics Ireland would like to thank all members who attended the meeting and contributed to discussions.
The 2025 Paralympics Ireland Annual Report can be viewed here.
