Sarah Keane will take over as chief executive of Cricket Ireland in March 2026, becoming the first permanent female leader of an International Cricket Council (ICC) full member nation. Dublin-based Cricket Ireland oversees the sport’s national administration and strategic direction across the island of Ireland.

Keane succeeds Warren Deutrom, who departed in August after 19 years. She has led Swim Ireland as chief executive since 2004, guiding the organisation to record Olympic success, including gold and bronze medals for Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry at the Paris Games. She also served as Olympic Federation of Ireland president from 2017 to 2024.

Keane outlined a focus on commercial growth and sustainable investment while supporting the development of Ireland’s National Cricket Centre. The planned €35 million facility will be located on the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin, hosting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in 2030. It includes a floodlit stadium with 4,240 seats and a two-storey pavilion housing a high-performance centre.

Her role involves collaboration with the board, staff, players, and the wider cricket community to advance women’s cricket, capitalise on Olympic opportunities, and strengthen infrastructure at key venues including Malahide and Stormont.

Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice highlighted Keane’s experience and integrity, describing her as a globally respected sports administrator with a track record of high-performance leadership. Her appointment aligns the association with strategic business development and operational growth while enhancing Ireland’s profile in international cricket.

Explore the full article for details on Cricket Ireland’s strategic priorities under its new chief executive.