
About Clare Sports Partnership
In this section you will be able to meet us and browse some useful information around our values, governance structures etc. If you have any specific queries, please phone Cathy on 065 6865434 or email cathy@claresports.ie
Meet the Team

John Sweeney
Coordinator - email john@claresports.ie
John (BA Phys Ed, Msc PPM) is an experienced Coordinator working in the Local Sports Partnership network since 2001. John has vast experience working with both statutory and non-statutory stakeholders, at board and individual level. He has expertise in policy development, conflict, influencing and negotiation skills. He holds an advanced diploma in personal and executive coaching and a Professional Certificate in Governance. John is married with three children and his hobbies include sailing, caving, cycling and kayaking.

Catherine Ryan
Finance &Governance Manager - email cathy@claresports.ie Tel : 086 2058463
Catherine joined Clare Sports Partnership as Administrator in March 2002.With growing staff numbers and increased budgets her role has evolved through her years with the partnership, she now manages the finances and governance for the company. Catherine received a distinction in 2020 having completed a year long course in Managing people through Accelerate, Sport Ireland’s sector specific Management Development Programme with qualifications in Office Administration and a Teaching Diploma in IT having worked in varying sectors, she brings extensive experience to her role.Not ever having had much involement in sport in her past,Catherine now credits the Sports Partnership for her love of walking,hiking and running after participationg in Clare Sports Partnership Meet & Train initiatives.

James Murrihy
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer - email: james@claresports.ie Tel: 08709627696
James joined the Sports Partnership as a Sports Inclusion Disability Officer in 2008. He has a B.Sc in Financial Management and Marketing from Dublin Institute of Technology. Presently he organises and supports programmes and projects in both the Disability and Mainstream sectors. James’ knowledge and experience in the sports disability sector comes from him being a former Irish Paralympian in 7 a side football having competed in 2 Paralympic Games. He is currently a Board of Director of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football wich governs Paralympic 7 a side football.

Pat Sexton
Community Sports Development Officer- email : pat@claresports.ie Tel : 087 6471671
Pat Joined our team in 2019. He holds a Degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Waterford IT. He is responsible for our Community Sports Hub and Women in Sport Programmes. He has a passion for Rugby, Gaelic Games and Cycling. He captained WIT to two Trench Cup finals in 2014 & 2015.

Jessica O’Keeffe
Community Sports Development Officer - email: jess@claresports.ie Tel: 085 8150606
Jess joined our team in 2020. She earned a Masters in Sports Coaching from UCD in 2018. Her research focused on transformational leadership and adolescent dropout from sport. She is responsible for New Communities/Ethnic Minorities and Club Development. Jess has coached rowing for over a decade at all levels in Ireland and abroad. She has been recently Head Coach of the Shannon Dragons – dragonboating club. Previously she has worked in community development and outdoor education. She has represented Ireland in both rowing and coaching and she has captained Parteen Ladies Football team. Her current passion is mountain biking among other outdoor pursuits.

Elizabeth Mc Nicholas
Community Sports Development Officer - Maternity Cover email:lizzy@claresports.ie Tel:087 3587767
Lizzy has been part of the team since 2020. She recently graduated from UL with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Lizzy is involved in various projects including club development and active schools. She has won an All-Ireland with UL Ladies Rugby and has previously captained the Connacht U18 girls rugby team for two seasons. Lizzy currently plays rugby for Galwegians and the Connacht Senior Women’s team.
Governance & Policies
As part of the Governance Code for Sport, Clare Sports Partnership wishes to state that it has completed the process as set out for its organisation type and now complies with the principles and practices of the code for a three-year period. The board of directors of Clare Sports Partnership adopted this code in June 2021.
Irish Sports Industry Awards
We are thrilled to learn that we have been shortlisted for LSP of the Year for the 2032 Irish Sports Industry awards!
Policies
We are currently building this section. Please be patient and check back soon.
Safeguarding Statement
Clare Sports Partnership provides various sporting activities and opportunities for young people
Governance
Clare Local Sports Partnership is a private company, limited by Guarantee governed by a Board of Directors.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Clare is a place where we foster, support and encourage a healthy and happy lifestyle for each individual.
Our Structure
The Clare Local Sports Partnership CLG (CLSP) was established in 2001 by the Irish Sports Council