Hackett lands critical role as AAI's chief executive officer

ATHLETICS: One of the most critical appointments in the history of Irish athletics was agreed last night when Brendan Hackett was ratified as the new chief executive officer of the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI). The terms and conditions of his appointment have yet to be finalised.

Best known for his work as a sports psychologist and also in athletics coaching, Hackett brings a range of experience to the position - and will clearly need to call on it.

A whole new structure for the AAI has been in the works for the past year, much of which will rely on the CEO. They have called a special congress for December 3rd to implement the new technical plan, with Hackett's role coming into effect from January 1st.

Initially a three-year appointment, the CEO position of Irish athletics comes with a range of responsibilities, not least fast-forwarding the sport into the modern era.

One of Hackett's first roles will be to oversee the transition from a voluntary-based association to one with professional structures, at a time when Irish athletics is struggling to maintain its traditional footing in Irish sport.

The position had been identified as critical in establishing a new era for Irish athletics. The Irish Sports Council also played a key role in the appointment, having already positioned and funded Gary Owens of Rainkmaker Business Catalysts as an interim CEO.

Owens was part of the four-man interview panel, which included Pat O'Neill of the Sports Council, Michael Heery of the AAI, and Michael Hunt of the Schools' Athletics Association.

"The search process has been rigorous," said Owens, "but we definitely feel we've identified the right candidate. We have been creating a blueprint for the future of Irish athletics, and there is still a huge amount of change to undergo involving a lot of issues. So while this appointment shouldn't be really seen in isolation it is a critical part of the process."

Hackett was justifiably wary of announcing his ambitions ahead of last night's ratification, which saw his name go before the 16-member executive committee of the AAI. But his experience is sure to be matched by his enthusiasm.

A member of Donore Harriers and still competing at club level, he has over 20 years' experience in Irish sport since graduating from Thomond College in 1983. He initially went into coaching in Gaelic football, and was appointed manager of the Longford senior team in 1987 at the age of 26. He subsequently managed Offaly and coached the Irish Compromise Rules team that successfully toured Australia in 1990.

Following the completion of his sports psychology degree in 1995 he began advising many of the country's top sports people and teams - and in recent years worked with the Sligo, Fermanagh and Limerick football teams.

During that time he also coached many athletes, including James Nolan, Maria Lynch and Noel Cullen, and helped establish the Irish Milers Club. He also has ties with the fitness industry, primarily as an owner of private health clubs and more recently managing corporate fitness facilities.

The CEO will sit on the new board of the AAI, to comprise the president and chairperson of the new committees in finance and risk, coaching, high performance and competition.

Yet the demands of the job will be considerable. Eamonn Coghlan famously lasted just six months when a CEO position for Irish athletics was last established back in 1990, citing personality differences as the main reason he walked away.