Liam Feeley is new CEO of Mountaineering Ireland

CLAREMORRIS native, Liam Feeley, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer with Mountaineering Ireland. He takes over at the helm from Murrough McDonagh who held the position for seven and a half years before deciding to move on to pursue a new career opportunity back in December.

Mr Feeley, a senior officer with the Irish Defence Forces, served on a number of overseas tours with the Irish Army including the Golan Heights.

The family are steeped in GAA and his father, Willie Feeley, a retired member of An Garda Síochana, and a native of Knockcroghery, played both football and hurling with Roscommon in his young years.

The second Claremorris GAA pitch at the ‘Racecourse’ has been named in honour of Alan Feeley (brother of Liam) who died suddenly in Limerick in November 2013 at the age of 28. He had played a senior league game for Claremorris the previous day.

Friends of Mr Feeley in Claremorris have joined in the good wishes to him on his new appointment. “Liam was a member of the Claremorris senior team for around ten years and we recall his absolute sense of dedication and loyalty to the club. He was a warrior on the field of play,” said a former team mate.

Mountaineering Ireland, in a statement at the weekend, said they were excited to announce the appointment of Liam Feeley as its new CEO.

“With a distinguished career in the Defence Forces, Liam has served as a senior officer within the Army Ranger Wing since 2017 and has held various leadership positions both at home and overseas. His background demonstrates exceptional organisational expertise, strategic planning abilities and a strong work ethic.

“Liam holds a degree in PE and Geography teaching from the University of Limerick, a qualification in Senior Leadership and Management with Maynooth University, and is a qualified skydiving instructor. His diverse background provides a unique perspective and a fresh vision for the future of Mountaineering Ireland. He will take up the role in late June.”

David Pollard, Chairperson of Mountaineering Ireland, stated: “Mountaineering Ireland is delighted to welcome Liam as our new CEO. His proven leadership skills, his passion for mountaineering, and his commitment to our mission make him the ideal person to lead our organisation into this exciting new chapter.

“Liam's dedication to active living and his enthusiasm for sharing his love of the natural environment with his young family aligns perfectly with Mountaineering Ireland's goal of inspiring and enabling people of all backgrounds to engage with the mountains of Ireland.”

Looking forward to the new challenge in his life, Mr Feeley said: “I am honoured and excited to be joining Mountaineering Ireland as CEO. As a lifelong enthusiast of the outdoors, I am passionate about sharing my love for the mountains and empowering others to experience the joys and challenges of hill-walking, climbing and mountaineering.”