The sixth annual Golf Ireland AGM took place on Saturday at the Hodson Bay Hotel
Cushendall Golf Club member Fiona Delargy was appointed as the new Golf Ireland President at the 2026 National AGM this weekend.
The sixth annual Golf Ireland AGM took place on Saturday at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, where Delargy succeeded outgoing President, Michael Evans (Athlone), who concluded his term at the meeting.
Delargy becomes the latest figure to lead the Governing Body for golf in Ireland, having served as President-Elect over the previous year. Speaking after her appointment, she discussed her pride in taking the role.
“I'm very proud and honoured to be in this privileged position. I'm excited and extremely grateful to be awarded this prestigious opportunity. I am proud to be the first Ulster female president of Golf Ireland so that is also a particular honour,” said Delargy.
“We have got a great year ahead of us and a very busy season. I'm looking forward to seeing everybody and seeing it all in action.
“Golf Ireland has catered for everybody, from GolfSixes through to our veterans and our golfers with a disability. We are reaching out to absolutely everybody. The Golf Ireland ethos is that golf is for everybody, and it has created something for everyone that we didn't have in the past.
“The four new women's regional championships are also a fantastic addition to the calendar and should hopefully draw us in line with the men's events, again, equality and provision for everyone and it will be good to see those championships grow.”
In addition, Joe McNamara (The Heath) was confirmed for the President-Elect position, and he will assume the Presidency at the 2027 AGM.
The meeting also saw the approval of two new Directors who will serve four-year terms on the Board. Moira Lynott was elected as Regional Director, while Richard Hills took a Nominated Director role.
Golf Ireland once again recognised the outstanding contributions of club volunteers through the Club Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The Women & Girls award went to Dolores Hamill (Tandragee), the Disability and Inclusion award was won by Eveleen McCurry, Paddy Rae and Roisin Darragh (Cushendall). Peter Edwards and Gerry Kennedy (Bray) won the Sustainability award, the Junior Development award went to Susan O’Sullivan (Monkstown), and Excellence in Service was awarded to Orla Foley (Headfort).
Fiona Delargy bio:
Fiona was the first Ulster Regional Secretary of Golf Ireland, where she played a key role in forming the Regional Executive Committee and establishing a unified governing body for golf.
She previously served as ILGU Ulster District Secretary and was active on the Ulster District Executive and Junior Development Committees. With over 45 years of involvement as both a player and volunteer, Fiona held several roles at Cushendall, including Captain, Ladies’ Secretary, Junior Convenor, and Children’s Safeguarding Officer.
Fiona also brings experience from her time as Vice-President and Board Member of Netball Northern Ireland and Chair of NI Schools’ Netball. Fiona will become President of Golf Ireland at the AGM in March 2026.
Joe McNamara bio:
Joe has been a member of The Heath Golf Club since 1976 and has held administrative positions at various levels throughout his five decades of involvement in golf.
He served as Honorary Secretary of the club from 1979 to 1989 and later contributed at both regional and national levels, including election to the Leinster Provincial Council. In this capacity, he played a key role in advancing coaching standards and facilities. Over the years, he also served as Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary and Chair of the Provincial Council, and was selected as a representative in the establishment of Golf Ireland as the sport’s unified governing body.
More recently, as Chair of Championships for Golf Ireland, he has helped deliver a more modern, inclusive and practical structure for championships and Inter-Club competitions.
Moira Lynott bio:
Moira Lynott is the outgoing Munster Regional Secretary of Golf Ireland, where she played a key role in forming the Regional Executive Committee and establishing a unified governing body for golf.
She had previously served as a member of the ILGU Munster District Executive including four years as ILGU Munster District Secretary.
She qualified as a Level 3 Rules Official in 2015, and she has refereed at every level, Regional and National and also as a guest referee at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and at the Arnold Palmer Trophy.
With over 30 years of involvement as both a player and volunteer at Waterville Golf Club, she has held several roles including Captain, Handicap Secretary and President of the Ladies Club. Moira is also a member of Sutton Golf Club.
As a Munster representative on the iGolf planning and development team, Moira’s commitment and knowledge helped ensure the success of this initiative.
Richard Hills bio:
Richard Hills is a highly respected figure in international golf, best known for his tenure a European Ryder Cup Director, a role he held across 12 matches from 1995 to 2018. With a career spanning more than three decades at the European Tour, Richard has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the sport's most prestigious events.
As Ryder Cup Director, Richard was a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, working closely with major stakeholders across the global golf landscape. His collaborations include leading governing bodies and organisations such as The R&A, PGA of GB&I, USGA, PGA Tour, PGA of America, European Golf Association and the International Golf Federation.
Richard’s deep expertise, strategic leadership, and longstanding contribution to the game have earned him widespread respect throughout the sport. He remains actively connected to golf as a member of Blainroe Golf Club in Wicklow, West Hill Golf Club in Surrey, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Richard also currently sits on the Golf Ireland Commercial Advisory Committee.
