Cycling Ireland Announces Appointment of New CEO




Cycling Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of James Quilligan as its new Chief Executive Officer with effect from June 12th. James is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience in the commercial and public sectors. He has a proven track record of driving strategy development, modernising processes, building high performance teams, and enriching service quality within organisations.


James has held various senior positions, including CEO of Moorehaven Group, where he worked with the board of directors to formulate short and long-term plans for the company, actively engaged with local politicians and government ministers, and championed the delivery of a new residential housing and intellectual disability support services. Prior to this, he served as the Integrated Service Regional Manager for Rehab Group, overseeing the implementation of national and regional plans for two integrated services with an annual budget of €15m-€20m and up to 300 staff across the region.


A longstanding member of Cycling Ireland for over 10 years, James holds an A3 racing license for Greenmount Cycling Academy and has also participated in numerous leisure sportives.


James' expertise and passion for positive change will enhance the delivery of Cycling Ireland’s strategic plan and vision to develop an island enriched by cycling.


Speaking about his appointment, James Quilligan said:

“It is an honour to be appointed as CEO to lead Cycling Ireland in the next phase of its development. I look forward to bringing my professional experience to the organisation, with the aim of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in improving the organisation and to make Cycling Ireland a leading NGB in the years to come and one that all members can be proud of both nationally and internationally.”


Cycling Ireland President, Dr. Tom Daly, expressed his pleasure with the appointment, stating:

"We are delighted to welcome James to Cycling Ireland as our new CEO. His extensive experience in organisational management and his understanding of Irish cycling makes him an ideal candidate to lead our organisation forward. The Board, staff and membership groups will look forward to working with James in further developing our organisation and delivering upon our strategic objectives.”


The Cycling Ireland board expressed their gratitude to Chris Kitchen, who acted as interim CEO during the search for a new CEO. Chris will assist in the transition phase allowing James to build upon the solid work he has been doing over the past number of months.


Cycling Ireland is the governing body for cycling across the island of Ireland. Cycling Ireland is committed to promoting cycling at all levels, from grassroots to elite, and to making the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Cycling Ireland has a growing annual membership in the region of 26,500, a network of 450 clubs and promotes approximately 900 sanctioned events. Cycling is identified as a priority sport within the National Sports Policy.