Irish sport will witness a major leadership transition in 2026, with Sarah Keane announced as the next Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Ireland, taking up the role in March of next year, while confirming that she will step down as CEO of Swim Ireland in February 2026.
Keane’s appointment as CEO designate of Cricket Ireland is a big move within Irish sport and perhaps even bigger on the global stage, as she will become the first female CEO of an ICC Full Member nation.
Following a highly competitive international recruitment process, the Board of Cricket Ireland unanimously ratified Keane’s appointment, citing her “transformative leadership and strategic vision” across Irish and global sport.
“I am incredibly excited and deeply honoured to become the new CEO of Cricket Ireland and the first female CEO of an ICC Full Member nation,” said Keane.
“Cricket is a truly global sport, and Ireland now stands on the threshold of tremendous opportunity – from Olympic inclusion in 2028 to the continued growth of the women’s game and hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.”
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, staff, players, and the entire cricketing community to deliver on those opportunities.”
A World-Class Sports Leader
Currently one of Ireland’s longest-serving and most respected sports administrators, Keane has led Swim Ireland since 2004, transforming it into one of the country’s most successful and progressive governing bodies.
Under her leadership, the sport achieved its best-ever Olympic performance at Paris 2024, highlighted by historic medals for Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry, while securing multiple World and European titles.
She also oversaw the Government-backed National Swimming Strategy, placing a strong focus on infrastructure, participation, and inclusion.
Keane’s impact extended far beyond performance. She professionalised the organisation, championed diversity and female leadership, and was central to developing Irish sport’s governance standards.
Her influence was equally felt at a time of great challenge for the Olympic Federation of Ireland post 2016, when she became the organisation’s first female President and guided the organisation. towards record success at the Paris 2024 Games.
“Leading Swim Ireland for the past 21 years has been an absolute dream come true,” she added.
“It has been an immense privilege to work with such dedicated people across the sport. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together — from grassroots participation to Olympic success — and confident that Swim Ireland is in a strong position for continued growth and success.”
Global Recognition and Broader Influence
Keane’s reach in international sport is extensive. She serves as a Board Member of World Aquatics and European Aquatics, chairs the European Aquatics DEI Commission, and was appointed to the European Olympic Committee Organising Committee for the 2023 European Games.
A qualified solicitor, she also serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Central Bank of Ireland, bringing deep expertise in governance and leadership.
“Sarah brings a wealth of experience and is one of the most respected leaders in sport nationally and internationally,” said Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland.
“Her track record speaks for itself. Cricket Ireland is getting a world-class sports administrator and an individual of the utmost integrity and high-performance mindset. This is an exciting time for Irish cricket, and Sarah’s appointment will help galvanise and reinvigorate the sport.”
“Sarah has not just led Swim Ireland; she has transformed it,” added Cathal Marley, Chairperson of Swim Ireland.
“Her legacy of high performance, increased participation, and sound governance leaves the sport in a far stronger position than ever before. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her every success at Cricket Ireland and know she will continue to make an impact on Irish sport.”
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