Hockey Ireland has announced the appointment of Richard Fahey as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026.
Fahey brings extensive leadership and transformation experience across Irish sport, having held senior roles with the FAI, Tennis Ireland and Cricket Ireland.
During his tenure as CEO of Tennis Ireland, he secured record levels of investment in facilities, strengthened relationships with clubs nationwide, and oversaw substantial increases in participation, helping position tennis as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing recreational sports.
At Cricket Ireland, he has led the development of major strategic infrastructure projects, including the landmark National Cricket Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus. The €90 million project—which includes a stadium and performance training facilities—will serve as Cricket Ireland’s home and will host matches during the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
As CEO of Hockey Ireland, Fahey will lead a renewed drive to position the organisation as a centre of excellence.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders across the hockey community, he will focus on inspiring a love of the sport, growing participation in communities nationwide, and building strong systems capable of delivering sustained international success.
Niamh Byrne, Chair of Hockey Ireland, said: “On behalf of Hockey Ireland, I am delighted to welcome Richard Fahey as our new CEO.”
“Richard is a builder of high-performing organisations, strong cultures, and sustainable success through principled leadership. He understands that true centres of excellence are powered by people.”
“His unique blend of experience, delivering both major infrastructure and grassroots growth, is precisely what we need to realise our ambitious vision. As we look towards the World Cup and Olympics, we are poised to harness this incredible moment for Irish hockey and transform that inspiration into tangible growth that benefits every corner of Ireland.”
Fahey said he was honoured to take on the role at such an important time for the sport.
“I am incredibly excited and proud to join Hockey Ireland at a pivotal moment, with the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics creating unprecedented opportunities to showcase our exceptional players and inspire the next generation,” he said.
“In hockey, teamwork is essential, on and off the field. I look forward to engaging with all our stakeholders, including the board, staff, provinces, clubs, government and commercial partners, to make hockey a major sport in Ireland and a dominant force on the international stage.”
Hockey Ireland’s Board unanimously ratified Mr Fahey’s appointment following a comprehensive Europe-wide recruitment process.
His arrival reinforces the organisation’s vision to combine world-class governance with grassroots ambition, ensuring cultural excellence, participation growth and performance success all move forward together.
Hockey Ireland also expressed its appreciation to outgoing CEO Anne McCormack for her dedicated service over the past three years, acknowledging that the strong foundations she has built leave the organisation well positioned for the future.
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, paid tribute to Mr Fahey’s contribution, saying:
“We are truly disappointed to lose Richard’s expertise in sports infrastructure, project management and operations. It’s certainly a case of ‘our loss is Hockey Ireland’s gain’.”
“During his time with Cricket Ireland, Richard has overseen a portfolio of projects that will benefit Irish cricket for years to come, from the National Cricket Centre to ongoing developments at Stormont, Malahide and Bready, as well as supporting the Provincial Unions with infrastructure across their clubs. While he is moving on, Richard will remain a strong ally within the sports sector.”
“Our incoming CEO, Sarah Keane, will play a key role in bringing to fruition a number of these major projects, and we will work with Richard to ensure a smooth transition so that we maintain strong momentum on our infrastructure plans. With the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaching, projects such as the National Cricket Centre are essential, not just for the tournament but as a legacy asset for generations of cricketers to come. We thank Richard for his contribution and wish him well in his new role.”
Image Credits: Sport for Business
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