Swim Ireland AGM Celebrates Olympic Success and Strategic Growth

Swim Ireland hosted its Annual General Meeting last week on April 29th, marking a year of outstanding international performance, strong governance, and significant developments across Irish aquatics.

The meeting opened with a welcome from Chairperson Cathal Marley, who outlined the evening’s agenda and praised the organisation’s progress from grassroots to Olympic level.

Outgoing President Alison Horan delivered  a celebratory opening address, highlighting a series of proud moments during her term. Among the standout achievements were Ireland’s success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, strong performances at the European Senior and Junior Championships in Serbia and Lithuania, and national celebrations including the Olympic and Paralympic Team Day’s held in Dublin. Also mentioned in proceedings were Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry’s historic Olympic medals as symbols of the country’s rising presence in elite swimming.

Additionally, also commended were Swim Ireland’s volunteers, staff, and board members, thanking them for their dedication during a transformative year.

Reports
In his Chairperson’s Report, Cathal Marley reiterated the organisation’s focus on athlete success and long-term planning. He praised the recent National Swimming Strategy, the impact of mobile ‘pop-up’ pools, and a renewed emphasis on vetting and safeguarding at club level. He also noted the finance team’s top-tier result in the recent KOSI audit.

Treasurer Joan Hynes reported a clean external audit and affirmed Swim Ireland’s financial stability. While income and expenditure dipped following the end of Covid Resilience funding and the hosting of the LEN U23 Championships, reserves remain strong and ring-fenced for regional and disciplinary growth.

Board member Kate Sherry highlighted a surge in participation, the success of the DEI Conference, and strategic returns on investment in pop-up pool infrastructure. She also flagged governance and compliance as key areas of focus moving forward.

Performance and Development
Performance Director Jon Rudd celebrated the achievements of Irish swimmers in 2024, especially in Olympic and Paralympic competition. He outlined pathway developments for the 2024–2028 cycle, including club coach development, open water initiatives, and the integration of para swimming.

Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane shared updates on organisational changes, including the formation of a new Competitions, Events, and Disciplines department. She spotlighted new initiatives like centralised pool time and a digital compliance pass, while acknowledging a rise in national-level complaints, a sign of increased activity and scrutiny. The importance of supporting clubs was also affirmed, particularly as para-swimming  transitions into Swim Ireland.

Motions and Elections
A motion to align Swim Ireland governance with World Aquatics standards passed overwhelmingly, receiving 99% support from members.

Newly elected officers include Keith Lynch (Treasurer) and Siobhan O’Donnell (Skill Set Director). Regional representatives Natasha Dunne Mulvey (Connacht), Seosamh O’Riain (Munster), and William Irwin (Leinster) were also introduced.

New President Introduction
As the meeting drew to a close, Frank Breslin was introduced as the new President of Swim Ireland. The next AGM was provisionally scheduled for April 28th, 2026.

In his final remarks, Chairperson Marley thanked all in attendance and praised the strong engagement across the Swim Ireland community (from government stakeholders to local club volunteers) emphasising that the future of Irish aquatics is in safe and ambitious hands.

 

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