Richard Fahey named Hockey Ireland interim chief executive

As the women’s team faces into a World Cup in Amsterdam in July, Hockey Ireland has named Richard Fahey to the role of interim chief executive officer for the organisation.

Fahey, who previously worked with the FAI and until the end of last year was chief executive of Tennis Ireland, will start in the role next Monday. He succeeds Jerome Pels, who is moving from the position he has held since January 2017 to take up an equivalent position with England Boxing.

Fahey has vast experience in the sports industry and was formerly director of club licensing and facility development at the Football Association of Ireland, providing him with experience in both individual and team sport environments. He is also a board member at the Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership.

During his time with Tennis Ireland, the sport enjoyed a significant growth in participation as he built relationships with clubs and helped develop new competitive opportunities for players.

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He has also played a key role in facilitating the development of tennis and football facilities at local and regional level across the country including the FAI National Training Centre at the National Sports Campus. A key task will be to bring a new perspective and experience to hockey.

“I am very much looking forward to commencing my role as interim chief executive officer of Hockey Ireland and working closely with the staff, the board and with everyone involved in hockey on the island of Ireland to further develop this wonderful sport,” said Fahey.

"Hockey Ireland are very pleased to welcome Richard to lead us in what is an exciting time for our sport," said chairman Trevor Watkins.

“Richard’s skills and experience are a perfect fit for Hockey Ireland. The board looks forward to working with Richard as we continue to implement our strategy and take advantage of the opportunities before us.”

The search for a permanent chief executive will be advertised shortly on the Hockey Ireland and Sport Ireland website.