Helen O’Rourke has confirmed that she is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association at the end of 2025.
O’Rourke, who served as LGFA President from 1994 to 1997, took over as LGFA CEO in September 1997 and has held the position ever since.
The longest-serving CEO in Irish Sport has now confirmed that she will retire from the position, with the process of identifying a replacement set to commence imminently.
Dublin native O’Rourke has overseen a period of massive growth for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association during her 28 years as CEO.
Membership numbers have grown significantly, while several landmark sponsorship deals, including those with TG4 (2001) and Lidl Ireland (2016), were negotiated and agreed upon during her tenure.
Attendances at TG4 All-Ireland Finals have also increased, peaking at 56,114 for the 2019 finals at Croke Park.
O’Rourke also guided the LGFA through the Covid-19 pandemic, and she oversaw 50th anniversary celebrations for the Association in 2024.
“I have had the great honour to lead this wonderful association as CEO over the past 28 years and watched it grow into the strong, vibrant, progressive association it is today with the help of the amazing officers, volunteers and staff we have throughout the country and internationally.”
“The time is now right for me to retire from the position, but the LGFA will continue to remain close to my heart and I will endeavour to remain involved in some capacity.”
“I have had the privilege of knowing Helen for many years and working alongside her closely in more recent times,” added Trina Murray, LGFA President.
“As President of our association, I wish to pay tribute to Helen and acknowledge her incredible service to the LGFA and indeed Irish sport for over 30 years in leading roles.”
“Helen will be sorely missed, but we will continue to work together on the Steering Group on Integration, and also on LGFA Management, and her input will remain vital on those groups and on other matters.”
An update on a successor to Helen O’Rourke will follow once the process to confirm the chosen candidate has concluded.
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