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Ann Heneghan has been confirmed as the new president of Connacht Rugby, becoming the first woman to hold the position in an Irish province.
After serving as senior vice president and junior president for the previous two seasons, Heneghan was elected president after a virtual agam on Monday night.
The 53-year-old lawyer has had extensive experience at the administrative level, having been the first woman elected as a Connacht branch delegate in the early 1990s. She has also been the secretary of the Connacht youth team and was the first president Connacht Rugby Fan Club.
Most recently, she has been appointed as a World Rugby Judicial Officer, facilitating cases in a variety of competitions.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, Heneghan now hopes her choice will inspire more women to get involved in sport.
“I have been involved in rugby for many years, so it is a great honor for me. My hope now to reach a position like this would be to inspire women to reach higher roles in rugby and not think that rugby it is still a man’s game.
“It is possible to break through and create a role for yourself in the game. Connacht Rugby has been very supportive of me throughout the process and is delighted to take on this role with them. Hopefully a couple of cabinet trophies would be nice, plus see the fans back at The Sportsground, where everyone can safely enjoy the game again. ”
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