Leinster Rugby has announced the appointment of Derek Kinnevey as the province’s new Head of Communications and Media, with the former Paralympics Ireland and Ladies Gaelic Football Association communications lead set to take up the role this month.
Kinnevey will lead communications and media activity across both the professional and domestic game, at a time when Leinster continues to build its audience, deepen engagement with supporters and stakeholders, and tell the broader story of rugby across the province.
The appointment follows what Leinster described as a thorough and competitive recruitment process, reflecting the significance of the role within one of Irish sport’s most high-profile organisations.
Kinnevey joins from Paralympics Ireland, where he served as Corporate Affairs Director and played a central role in raising the profile of Paralympic sport, supporting athletes on the international stage, and helping to develop strategic communications and partnership programmes.
Before that, he held senior communications roles with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, during a period of major growth in the visibility and profile of women’s Gaelic football.
His move to Leinster Rugby brings together experience across media relations, stakeholder engagement, commercial partnerships and the development of sports stories that reach beyond the pitch.
“We are delighted to welcome Derek to Leinster Rugby,” said Matthew Dowling, Chief Commercial Officer of Leinster Rugby.
“This was a very thorough and competitive recruitment process and Derek stood out throughout as someone with exceptional experience, strong leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the Irish sporting landscape, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow our audience, strengthen engagement, and tell the compelling stories that drive the development of rugby across the province.”
The role will cover both Leinster’s professional operation and the domestic game, an important bridge in a province where elite success, club rugby, schools rugby, volunteers and community engagement are all part of the wider story.
“This is a hugely important role for Leinster Rugby, covering both the professional and domestic game,” added Dowling.
“We are confident that Derek’s expertise and track record will help us continue to strengthen how we communicate, engage and tell the stories of our players, coaches, clubs, volunteers and supporters.”
Dowling also paid tribute to Marcus Ó Buachalla, who had held the role for well over a decade and became one of the most recognisable communications figures in Irish rugby during a period of sustained growth and success for Leinster on and off the field.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Marcus Ó Buachalla for his outstanding contribution to Leinster Rugby in this role for well over a decade,” said Dowling.
“I would also like to thank Louise McCleery and the team at Wilson Hartnell for their support during the transition period. Their professionalism, expertise and commitment have been greatly appreciated by everyone at Leinster Rugby.”
Kinnevey said he was honoured to be joining the organisation.
“Leinster Rugby has a rich history, an incredibly passionate supporter base and a strong connection with clubs and communities across the province,” said Derek Kinnevey, incoming Head of Communications and Media at Leinster Rugby.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues throughout the organisation to help tell those stories and support the continued growth of the game at all levels.”
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