Contacts / Officials

Fencing Ireland Management Committee

Chairperson – Des Gilhooly - chairperson@irishfencing.net

Des started fencing in 1993 with what was then St. Patrick's College, Maynooth (now N.U.I. Maynooth). He has worked at all levels in the sport most notably as Directoire Technique at competitions. Before joing the board in 2015 he had been managing and repairing the Federation equipment. He is a member of the European Fencing Confederation technical committee (SEMI) since 2017. Having volunteered at major international tournaments he encourages people to take part in that aspect of the sport at least once to see the different elements that go into making a successful event. It is his hope that Fencing Ireland can bring a major championship to Dublin at some point

Company Secretary –Joseph Richardson secretary@irishfencing.net

Joseph joined the board in 2018. He is an épéeist who began fencing as a veteran and enjoys competing. In June 2019 he took over as Company Secretary for Fencing Ireland

Honorary Treasurer – Kevin Foley treasurer@irishfencing.net

Kevin is a senior executive and business leader with proven success in a number of financial roles. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Aqua Comms, and sits on a number of boards. He was co-opted onto the Fencing Ireland board in 2017 and elected Treasurer in 2018. He has fenced foil internationally for Ireland and won four Intervarsity titles with UCD.

General Manager - Dearbhla Foley – dfoley@irishfencing.net

Dearbhla Joined Fencing Ireland in July 2019. She looks after the day to day running of Fencing Ireland and the development and growth of fencing nationwide. She also looks after the well being of all clubs and members.

Development Officer - Colm Flynn development@irishfencing.net

Colm is the Development Officer for Fencing Ireland and for fencing in Trinity College Dublin where he is also Head Coach. Colm represented Ireland internationally as an épéeist. He captained our Men’s Épée team at the senior 5 Nations competition on five occasions. He coaches all three weapons. His role with Fencing Ireland includes delivering our schools outreach programme and developing our coaching structures.

The Board

The Board currently consists of ten Board Directors, ten (including Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer) being elected at annual AGM with co-option of further members by the Board where necessary Staff members attend some meetings, or parts of meetings, to brief/advise the Board

Although some Board members may be content to give out contact details, normally they should be contacted through Head Office - dfoley@irishfencing.net

Board of Directors