Basketball Ireland CEO throws his hat in the ring for Irish Olympic presidency

By Echo Reporter

THE CEO and Secretary General of Basketball Ireland, Bernard O’Byrne, has been nominated by the board of Basketball Ireland to run for the role of President of the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI).

Mr. O’Byrne, who has been at the helm of Basketball Ireland since 2011, told The Echo that he is looking forward to the road ahead and added that if his bid for the presidency is successful, he will continue in his role at Basketball Ireland.

He said: “I am delighted to accept the Board’s nomination and I’m really looking forward to the coming weeks ahead of the election on February 9.

Mr O’Byrne believes his 30-plus years of experience in sport administration at a high level, coupled with his background in business, will stand him in good stead for the role.

He added: “I know it will be a tough and difficult road due to genuine root changes which are needed in the OCI operations.

These will be difficult to implement but I believe there is an appetite for change and an appetite to make the OCI more relevant to Irish sport. I’m very enthusiastic about it.”

The election will be held in Dublin’s Conrad Hotel on February 9 next. Swim Ireland’s Sarah Keane and archery’s William O’Brien are also going forward for election.

For the first time since 1989, long-standing president Pat Hickey will not be running in the election.