Lawyer Ann Heneghan elected as first woman president of Connacht Rugby
Galway solicitor Ann Heneghan has become the first woman to hold a presidential role at provincial level in Irish rugby following her election as president of Connacht Rugby.
Ms Heneghan was initially elected as junior vice president in May 2018, and then as senior vice president last summer. She has also served in a number of other positions within the province’s governance structures including as chairperson of the Connacht Rugby Disciplinary Committee, and chairperson of the Connacht Rugby Supporters Club.
Ms Heneghan, the principal at Heneghan & Associates in Galway and Claremorris, was also recently appointed as judicial officer for World Rugby, facilitating on cases across a range of competitions.
Her election occurred in a unique online Connacht Rugby AGM and she will hold the position when the club marks its 135th anniversary in December.
Commenting on her election, Ms Heneghan said: “It is a great honour to be elected as president of Connacht Rugby. Having been involved with the Supporters Club at a time when the future of Connacht Rugby was in jeopardy, it is particularly pleasing to see how the Province has grown and flourished over the intervening years.
“I am particularly looking forward to engaging with all of the volunteers involved in the game across the province. Connacht Rugby’s vision of ‘Grassroots to Green Shirts’ reflects the ambition we have for the game at all levels and I look forward to playing my part on the next stage of that journey.
“While it will be a different type of season, I look forward to bringing my experience from different roles to this position and I relish the opportunity to be involved, at a historic time for Connacht Rugby as we celebrate 135 years of rugby in the Province.”