Today marks the end of an era for Irish Swimming as Sarah Keane steps down as CEO of Swim Ireland after twenty years at the helm.
The sport she inherited was in a dark place with athlete protection issues casting a long shadow.
She shone a light to dispel those shadows and leaves a sport that has never been in a better place, in and out of the water.
“Sarah’s leadership, vision, and passion have shaped our organisation and inspired everyone across the Irish aquatic community, her impact has been truly transformative,” said Swim Ireland in paying tribute.
“I’ve had so many incredible experiences and learnings, quite a few challenging ones but most overwhelmingly positive and indeed quite amazing and extraordinary,” she said in a post today saying farewell.
“I can’t say enough about the amazing leaders, board members, colleagues, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, community and friends in Swim Ireland, Sport Ireland, Department of Sport, Government, OFI & PI, partners and other sports I’ve worked with, endured with, celebrated with and together we’ve really pursued a higher vision and ambition for Irish swimming and the aquatics.”
“I know and hope Swim Ireland and all involved will continue to grow and thrive. It’s been an incredible honour and a privilege and I will always be a member of the Swim Ireland family.”
To transform an organisation once is an achievement, to have repeated the exercise as President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland after the painful experience of Rio, is on another level altogether.
The saving grace of her departure today is that she will shortly be stepping back into the game this time as CEO of Cricket Ireland where we are one of only 12 countries at the highest level of the sport, one that is enjoyed by billions around the world.
A new challenge but one which on previous experience she will relish and thrive within.
A farewell then to swimming, but thankfully not a goodbye to Irish sport.
