Athletics Ireland has appointed three-time National Cross Country champion Paul McNamara as their new Director of High Performance.
McNamara, who joined Athletics Ireland in 2006 as a Regional Development Officer, succeeds Kevin Ankrom in the role and will take up the position effective April 10.
"I am delighted and proud to be taking up the role of Director of High Performance in Athletics Ireland and am looking forward to working closely with the athletes and coaches to ensure we can optimise our performances at European, World and Olympic level over the next four year," he said in a statement this evening.
McNamara is responsible for the Endurance programme in Athletics Ireland, is an IAAF Level 1V Endurance Coach and a certified Coach Education Tutor.
The Athenry A.C member has been part of the Athletics Ireland management team at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, the 2016 European Championships in Amsterdam and the 2016 RIO Olympics.
An accomplished runner in his own right, McNamara is a gold medallist at the schools international cross-country in 1991.
He represented Ireland at European and World Cross Country Championships and is a three-time national champion.
He also attended Providence College from 1994-1998 competing in NCAA competition and serving as team captain in his senior year.
John Foley, C.E.O. Athletics Ireland said: "We are delighted that Paul has agreed to be the Director of High Performance of Athletics Ireland. I have worked closely with him for the past seven years and have continued to be impressed by his drive and commitment.
"He has extensive experience of grass-roots and elite athletics in Ireland and been a senior member of our team management at major international events. I look forward to Paul taking up his appointment in early April and to working closely with him."
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