IRFU Committee

The IRFU is a democratically elected body with a Union Committee comprised of volunteer representatives from each of our four provincial branches (Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster) along with independent co-opted delegates.

Key decisions, including the overall strategic direction of the organisation, high-level decisions relating to the game, major commercial matters, and ticket pricing are discussed and approved by IRFU Union Committee.

The Union Committee has 40% female representation, reflecting our commitment to strong governance and balanced decision-making.

There are currently five representatives per province and four independent/co-opted members sitting alongside a President, Chairperson, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Immediate Past President. Honorary Treasurer and World Rugby representative.

President
John O’Driscoll

Vice Presidents
Tony O’Beirne, Michael Collopy

Honorary Treasurer
Patrick Kennedy

Interim Chairperson of Management Committee
Declan Madden

Immediate Past President
Declan Madden

IRFU Committees 2025/26

Management:
Declan Madden, John O’Driscoll (President), Patrick Kennedy (Hon. Treasurer), Kevin Dinneen (NPGB), Billy Murphy (C&M), Stephen Black (Rugby Comm.), Kevin Potts (CEO), Su Carty (Co-option), in attendance, Tony O’Beirne (SVP), Padraig Power (CCO & Deputy CEO), Thelma O’Driscoll (CFO), David Humphreys (Performance Director), Aoife Clarke (Communications Director).

Finance:
Patrick Kennedy, Gerry Casey, Gerry O’Shea, Billy Murphy, Ellvena Graham, Maeve Carton, Kevin Potts, Thelma O’Driscoll, Feargal O’Rourke (Co-option), Lochlan Quinn (Co-option),
in attendance Ruairi McLoughlin.

Commercial and Marketing:
Billy Murphy, Patrick Kennedy, Liam Rattigan, Yvonne Comer, Joanne Geary, Fiona Sweeney, Ellevan Graham, Brian Humphries, Padraig Power (CCO & Deputy CEO), Aoife Clarke (Communications Director), Shane Martens, Paul Dean (Co-option).

National Professional Game Board:
Kevin Dinneen, Gerry O’Shea (IRFU Comm.), TBC (Former Player), Nora Stapleton (External HP Expert), Michael Kearney (External with Pro game experience), Nancy Chillingworth (Co-option), Kevin Potts,

in attendance David Humphreys.

Rugby Committee:
Stephen Black, John McKibbin (NCC), Yvonne Comer (Women), Grainne Carroll (Third Level), Joe McDermott (Age Grade), Rachel O’Brien (Spirit), Gerry Casey, David Ryan, Colin McEntee (Director of Rugby Development), Kevin Beggs, Dudley Phillips.

At Four meetings per season, the Chairs of the Provincial Rugby Committees and the Exiles Representative will attend to monitor and report on the Strategic Plan.