Rugby star D'Arcy one of four non-executive directors appointed by Paralympics Ireland

By Nick Butler

December 18 - Irish rugby star Gordon D'Arcy has been appointed one of four non-executive directors unveiled by Paralympics Ireland as it continues a modernising agenda first revealed last week in its three-year "strategic plan".

The plan, designed to improve national fortunes ahead of Rio 2016, was held alongside the revision of the organisation's Articles of Association and the re-structuring of the Board.

The composition of this new Board has now been "finalised" by the appointment of the four directors, it was confirmed.

After so far enjoying a glittering 75 cap career for Ireland, as well as featuring on two British and Irish Lions tours and gaining huge domestic success with club side Leinster, 33-year-old D'Arcy is the most high-profile of the four members, and will bring to the table his vast sporting experience.

He will be accompanied by three names from the respective business worlds of finance, technology and law - consisting of Brendan Jennings, managing director at Deloitte, Jennifer Chamberlaine, marketing and communications manager at BearingPoint, and Susan O'Connell, a partner at O'Connell Brennan.

The four new Board members are unveiled in the latest reform unveiled by Paralympics Ireland ©Paralympics Ireland

The four new Board members are unveiled in the latest reform delivered by Paralympics Ireland ©Paralympics Ireland

As well as improving the running of the organisation, it will also be hoped that the changes will enable competitive improvements as well.

Ireland enjoyed their best Paralympic performance since Seaul 1988 in London, winning 16 medals, including eight golds, when they placed 19th overall on the medals table.

However, it is thought that further improvements are attainable and, in particular, increasing the range of sports in which medals are won will be a particular aim.

These aims were further outlined by James Gradwell, President of Paralympics Ireland.

"On behalf of the Board, I'd like to welcome Gordon, Brendan, Jennifer and Susan to Paralympics Ireland and I wish them the very best in their four year terms," he said.

"We've made major changes to our governance model this year and have now aligned the skills and competencies of the new Board members with a staff restructure earlier in the year.

"The changes have already added greater effectiveness and steel to our business.

"As well as organisational improvements it is also hoped that sporting success will come as well."