Swim Ireland has announced that Sarah Keane, the Chief Executive Officer for the last 21 years, will step away from the role in February of 2026, and subsequently take up the same position with Cricket Ireland.
Swim Ireland said the following in a press release about the departure of Keane:
“Under Sarah Keane’s visionary leadership since 2004, Swim Ireland has been fundamentally reshaped, establishing itself as a leading national governing body in Irish sport. Her tenure has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, immense drive and a real passion for governance every step of the way. This has led to many successes for Swim Ireland and culminated in a record-breaking era for Irish aquatics.”
Keane has served in this role since 2004. In that time, Swim Ireland has built up numerous international medals, most notably from the Paris 2024 Olympics, which saw Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry bring home Olympic hardware.
Keane was a key piece of the first-ever National Swimming Strategy, put in place by the Irish Government last year,where she acted as an overseer, focusing on outdoor and indoor swimming and infrastructure.
Keane was also an advocate for DEI, promoting initiatives for female leadership and continuing to expand the sport within Ireland.
Swim Ireland nominated and supported Keane to become the President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. She continues to represent Irish Aquatics on the European Aquatics Board and World Aquatics Boards on the international level.
“Leading Swim Ireland for the past 21 years has been an absolute dream come true. It has been an immense privilege to work alongside such excellent board members, dedicated and extremely talented staff, coaches, athletes, and volunteers who share a passion and ambition for Irish aquatics.” Keane said
“I leave with the deepest gratitude for the support and commitment of everyone in the Swim Ireland community. I am also incredibly grateful for the support of the Government, Department, Sport Ireland, Sport NI, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and many others in Irish sport who have helped Swim Ireland and me personally on this journey so far. I am fully confident that the organization and the people in it are in a strong position for upward continued success.”
Hire Andrew Bree. I have no legs.