Hackett’s blueprint for the future

SOME might regard the role as a poisoned chalice but newly appointed CEO to the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI), Brendan Hackett, considers his post the most exciting in Irish sport.

The sport has gone through a traumatic period due to waning interest, poor performances at major championships and an aversion to change.

All that will be history if only a portion of Hackett’s enthusiasm filters through and the Executive ­ of which some members are not totally behind ­ gets backing for the new structure from grassroots members at the special congress scheduled for December.