Athletics Ireland boss to stand down

Athletics Ireland has announced that CEO Brendan Hackett informed the Board of Athletics Ireland last night that he will not be seeking a renewal of his contract as CEO.

Hackett is in the final year of a three year contract.

President of Athletics Ireland, Michael Heery, said: "Athletics Ireland would like to thank Brendan for all the excellent work he has done over the past three years. He has overseen a very successful period in Irish athletics and we wish him all the best for the future.

"Athletics throughout the country is now as strong as it has ever been and it is a very exciting time for the sport. We will be sending a very strong and young team to Beijing in August and the talent coming through our youth system is excellent.

"With the Olympics taking place in London in four years this gives us something to build towards and the future is extremely bright for athletics in Ireland.

"Brendan has helped Athletics Ireland achieve its goals of moving the sport forward and now we hope that the appointment of a new CEO will again bring Irish athletics to a new level," Heery concluded.