After seven years, Ciaran Kearney will leave his role as Executive Manager of the NI Sports Forum (NISF) to take up a role with the GAA.
Ciaran has led the organisation through a period of growth, supporting members during a particularly challenging period when the sporting sector effectively closed due to the pandemic. Working with Sport NI and the Department for Communities (DfC), along with a range of partners and stakeholders Ciaran and his team have supported almost 100 member organisations in raising awareness of key issues and promoting sport and physical recreation across NI.
Ciaran, who will take up the role as National Development Competitions Coordinator for the Gaelic Athletic Association in January said,
“The NI Sport Forum has grown significantly over the last number of years and we have worked with a wide range of partners to engage, inform and raise awareness of key issues relating to a wide range of sports across the region.
“Personally I have thoroughly enjoyed the last seven years and was lucky to develop strong relationships with our members and those involved in the wider sector and I would like to thank sports representatives, staff colleagues and NISF board members for their support during my tenure”.
Prior to joining the Sports Forum, Ciaran spent three years with NISF member Ulster Camogie as Administration Manager and had been a Community Development Administrator for Scotland GAA.
Chairperson of NI Sport Forum Ashley Hunter added,
“On behalf of the NISF Board I would like to put on record my thanks to Ciaran for all his hard work over the last seven years. He has led the organisation through a particularly challenging period, supporting members navigate the logistical and financial challenges that came with Covid-19.
“Ciaran has been a strong advocate for the whole sporting sector across NI, with a focus on encouraging participation and highlighting the impact sport can have on society.”
The NI Sports Forum will now undergo a recruitment process and will continue to support and engage with members in the coming weeks.