Sarah Keane
Chief Executive Officer, Swim Ireland
Sarah Keane is Chief Executive Officer of Swim Ireland. Swim Ireland is the National
Governing Body for swimming, Water Polo, Diving and associated aquatic disciplines in
the island of Ireland. Swim Ireland’s brief includes everything from the development of
child learn to swim programmes to preparing athletes to compete in the Olympic Games.
Sarah is responsible for the overall operational side of Swim Ireland and was appointed as
Swim Ireland's first CEO in May 2004. Her qualifications include an Honours Degree in
Law, a Masters in Commercial Law and Diplomas in both Corporate Management and
Financial Management. She is a former swimmer and international Water Polo player and
also enjoys taking part in open sea swimming.
Sarah has been a Board member of the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS) and currently holds
the position of Secretary to FIS Board.
Sarah took on her role with Irish swimming at a time of great instability and uncertainty as
the organisation struggled to deal with issues of the past. Sarah together with the Swim
Ireland Board worked hard to address these issues and seek to put the sport on a clear
footing with a positive future ahead. Recent research shows that swimming has become
the most popular sport and exercise activity among adults in Ireland in recent years.
June 2013