Camogie Association announces Karen Dessain-Gelinet as new CEO
New Camogie Association CEO Karen Dessain-Gelinet.
Karen Dessain-Gelinet has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Camogie Association.
The Meath woman won nine senior county championships with her club Kilmessan as well as a Leinster title and was part of The Royals team that won the 2008 All-Ireland junior championship.
Dessain-Gelinet finished up her club career with Ratoath with whom she won a junior championship in 2022.
She joins from HubSport where she has been director of customer support. She has 15 years of experience working in the global technology sector including LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dessain-Gelinet will take over the role in early February. She replaces Sinead McNulty, who stepped away in September.
“Camogie has shaped who I am as a leader, a teammate, and a person, a lifelong passion that has given me friendships, community, and purpose,” said Dessain-Gelinet. “To now have the opportunity to serve the sport that has given me so much is both humbling and energising. This role is far more than a job for me; it is a lifelong passion meeting professional purpose.”
Camogie Association president Brian Molloy welcomed her appointment: “Karen joins us at a moment of tremendous opportunity, as we move towards and through the process of integration that will shape the future of Gaelic games. Her leadership will be central as we build on recent progress, strengthen our structures, and continue to drive the game forward at every level.”
Dessain-Gelinet's appointment follows news of Lyn Savage's promotion to the corresponding position in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
Savage begins her role in March and takes over from long-standing chief executive Helen O'Rourke.
