Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland and one of the country’s most respected public figures, has played a pivotal leadership role in Irish sport as Chair of the GAA Steering Group on Integration (SGI) since her appointment in 2022.
Tasked with guiding the unification of the GAA, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), and the Camogie Association by 2027, she is leading what many see as the most transformative reform in the history of Gaelic games.
Drawing on her vast experience in governance, law, and peace-building, including her two terms as Ireland’s Head of State from 1997 to 2011, McAleese brings unique authority and perspective to the process. Her presidency was defined by bridge-building and reconciliation, particularly between communities in Northern Ireland, and she now applies that same ethos of inclusion and understanding to the challenge of bringing three sporting bodies together under one shared vision.
Under her stewardship, the Integration Group has advanced critical work across governance, communications, finance, facilities, and safeguarding. A comprehensive facilities audit and national consultation process are already shaping a roadmap toward “one club, one county, one association.” McAleese has consistently framed the project not simply as a merger of structures, but as a cultural evolution, one rooted in respect, equality, and shared purpose.
A qualified barrister, academic, and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, McAleese is also a noted author and advocate for social justice, education, and interfaith dialogue. Her appointment to lead the integration effort reflects both her deep public service record and her ability to inspire unity through listening, empathy, and decisive leadership.
*************
Previously Listed
Dr Una May, Moira Aston, Mary O’Connor, Michelle Carpenter, Brenda O’Donnell, Sarah Keane, Karen Coventry, Michelle Tanner
*************
This is the 13th edition of the Sport for Business listing of 50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport in partnership once more with our friends at AIG.
We began this journey in 2013, when we were challenged to produce a list of 20 Influential Women in Irish Sport. The 20 stretched to 30, then 40 and 50, and it still does not do justice to the talent out there.
Substantial progress has been made during this time. The Government, mindful of the importance and need for gender equity, challenged Irish sporting bodies to achieve a 60/40 gender split on their main boards or leadership entities by the end of 2023
Internationally, the gender split in doctors ranges from 46 per cent female in New Zealand to 48 per cent in the UK, 52 per cent in France, and 54 per cent in the United States. Sport has, for too long, lagged.
The gender gap in participation is targeted to be non-existent by 2027, and the profile of our elite athletes is as high for Katie Taylor, Katie McCabe, Rhasidat Adeleke and Leona Maguire as it is for the best of our men.
We are nearing the point where sport is sport regardless of gender.
The gap remains too big in media, sponsorship, attendance, and funding, but it is only by highlighting the wrongs that we can make them right.
This year’s list will again draw from all the multiple areas that make up sport. From the fields of play to the corridors of power, from the boardroom to the studio, and from every corner of the country.
We will divide the list into the CEO Club, the Influencers, and the Sponsors Lounge. the Administrators and others
This year, once again, we will challenge ourselves to generate at least 40 per cent of new entrants to ensure that fresh recognition is given to those making a mark.
This will mean some who fully deserve to remain stepping aside but that is part of what influence and leadership is about and they are in no way diminished by their not being on the list this year.
The list we will build over the coming weeks is a snapshot of women who are changing the way sport is played, consumed, grown, and delivered.
They are part of making the role of women in sport unexceptional by being exceptional in what they do.
Recognition of their contribution is rarely asked for but is entirely deserved, and we want your help in identifying those who you feel should be among them.
So, who do you think should be on the list for 2025?
Image Credit: Sport for Business:
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Sponsorship
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
November 20th – Playing for the Planet – A new event focused on Sustainability in Sport with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
December 9th – Our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference in partnership with Lidl.
January – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo.
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENT,
The GAA, Electric ireland and AIB, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
