A KILLARNEY man who was Chief of Staff at the Department of the Taoiseach, during Enda Kenny’s term in office from 2011 to 2017, has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive of Golf Ireland.
Mark Kennelly becomes the first holder of the post and his appointment came after what was described as an extensive recruitment process. He will take up the new role in December but he will be liaising closely with Golf Ireland in advance to facilitate preparations for the transition from separate bodies the GUI and the ILGU to one entity.
Mark, a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, is the son of artist Rena Kennelly and the late Kerry County Engineer, Colm Kennelly, and the brother of Kerry County Arts Officer Kate.
A very skilled and astute political advisor, he was very highly regarded not only in Ireland but abroad during his term with Mr Kenny.
He previously worked in a range of senior policy and political roles in Fine Gael, including as Chef de Cabinet to Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan when the party was in opposition.
Mark studied at the University of Limerick from 1986 to 1990, graduating with a BA in Public Administration and he began his career at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Tim O’Connor of the Golf Ireland transition board said Mark brings a wealth of experience from the very senior positions he has held in the public and political sectors.
“His knowledge and understanding of the importance of volunteers from the world of politics will stand him in great stead in Golf Ireland, given the pivotal role they play in our sport,’ he said.
“Golf on the island of Ireland is moving forward in an exciting and dynamic way, building on its great history and tradition and having somebody of Mark’s calibre and qualities in such a key leadership role is a tremendous boost to us on that journey,” he added.
In a statement, Mark Kennelly said: “Building on the remarkable heritage and achievements of the GUI and the ILGU, the new single governing body will ensure that golf will continue to grow and flourish on the island of Ireland in the future”.
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