As Basketball Ireland prepares for one of the big weekends of the year with the National Cup Finals on January 24th to 26th it has looked further into the future by extending the contract of Secretary General Bernard O’Byrne through to December 2016.
O’Byrne, who also serves as National League commissioner, took over as Secretary General of Basketball Ireland in 2011 and has overseen the improvement of the administrative and commercial functions of the governing body in addition to directing the rebuilding of its financial base.”
There is an option of a further two year extension from 2016.
The extension is reward for his having turned around the financial fortunes of the sport as we discovered in this feature on the finances of the sport from May 2013.
“We the Board of BI are delighted that Bernard has accepted a renewed contract and we look forward to a continuing strong relationship with him,” said Basketball Ireland Board Chairperson Jackie Dunne.
“Bernard brings to the role extensive executive experience and knowledge of our business and sport,” she added.
“Bernard will continue to lead strategy development and business management execution for our sport and lead us into a new strategic era, while working closely with the Council, Office, Board and members of Basketball Ireland.
“We wish him continued success and look forward to seeing our sport grow from strength to strength under his guidance.”
Speaking about his contract extension, O’Byrne commented that it was “very pleasing to me that the Directors whom I work so closely with have expressed such confidence in me by offering me the opportunity to continue the work we have been doing.
O’Byrne served as Chief Executive of the FAI for five years up until 2001 and has business experience through senior roles within Coca Cola, Nestle, CRH and at the Citywest group.
Lesson for Sport and for Business: A good product still needs good management before it can fulfil its potential.
