Rowing Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of three new board members. Michael McGrath, serving as Treasurer, is joined by Senior Independent Director Sandra Dawson and Independent Director Orlagh Ní Chorcoráin. Rowing Ireland warmly welcomes them to the Board. These appointments bring the total number of board members to ten, reflecting our continued progress toward gender parity.
SANDRA DAWSON
Sandra brings over 40 years of expertise in human resources and specialist recruitment across Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, and the UK, with experience in financial services, management consulting, and organisational development. Since returning to Ireland in 2018, she has run her own business, Searchlight Executive, focusing on hiring strategies and career transitions. As a newly appointed Senior Independent Board member of Rowing Ireland, she will be contributing to the organisation’s strategic direction. A former Irish international cricketer, Sandra is an avid sports fan, particularly of cricket and rugby union, and travels widely to attend matches.
MICHAEL MCGRATH
Michael is a senior executive and Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in finance, strategy, and business leadership. He is currently Finance Director at Barry Group, Ireland’s leading family-run wholesale distribution company, and is also a Director of Connected Storeroom Ltd. Michael has previously held senior financial roles across logistics, veterinary supply, and the automotive sector, bringing over 15 years of expertise, in driving commercial growth and operational performance. As Treasurer of the Rowing Ireland Board, he applies his financial and strategic insight to support the continued development of the sport nationwide.
ORLAGH NI CHORCORÁIN
Orlagh is currently CX & Insights Director with Volvo Car Ireland, where she sits on the senior leadership team. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board, with over 18 years of developing and executing strategies for leading brands in the motor, sports, airline, retail and hospitality sectors, both in Ireland and international markets. She brings extensive experience in management of sponsorship portfolios from both a client and rightsholder perspective and has a proven track record in the achievement of brand and business growth objectives. Orlagh is a passionate sports enthusiast and previously held roles with both Leinster Rugby, as Marketing Manager and FAI as Head of Marketing. She is excited to share her experience and to play a key role in shaping the future strategic ambitions of Rowing Ireland.
Rowing Ireland Chair Barry McWilliams said:
“I’m pleased to welcome Sandra, Michael, and Orlagh as independent directors to the Board. They bring extensive experience from both commercial enterprise and sporting organisations, including football, rugby, and cricket. Sandra’s global leadership in human resources will offer vital perspective as our new Senior Independent Director. Michael’s financial expertise and strategic acumen, developed across diverse industries, will enhance governance in his role as Treasurer. Orlagh’s success in brand strategy, sponsorship, and customer engagement across sport and business will be a strong asset. Together with their new Board colleagues, their dedication will help Rowing Ireland continue to grow, thrive, and serve our athletes, clubs, and wider community.”
A full list of Rowing Ireland Board can be found here: https://www.rowingireland.ie/about-us/board/
