Madden Appointed To New IRFU Role

The IRFU today announced that Garryowen’s Declan Madden will become Chairman of the IRFU Management Committee from July 17, 2015.

Declan is a former senior commercial branch manager with Bank of Ireland and is a native of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick.

He joined Garryowen FC in 1973, captained the club during the 1982/83 and 1983/84 seasons and won Munster Senior Cup, Senior League, Junior Cup and All-Ireland League medals with the club. Declan also served as forwards coach for a number of years.

Chairman of rugby for Garryowen from 1999 to 2007, Declan was Treasurer and Honorary Secretary at the club before joining the Munster Branch IRFU Committee where he held the position of President for 2009/10 and chaired the Finance Committee for 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Declan and his wife, Geraldine, have two adult children, Deirdre and David.

Congratulating Declan on his role, outgoing Chairman Finbarr Crowley said: "The Irish Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce Declan Madden as the incoming Chairman of the IRFU Management Committee.

"The Committee represents our clubs and provinces in making decisions on the future of our game. Irish rugby has never been more popular, and with that comes opportunities and challenges for our sport.

"As outgoing Chairman, I am confident that Declan will continue to develop rugby from grassroots to international level and wish him the very best of luck for the years ahead."

Speaking about the new position, Declan commented: "I am very pleased to have been selected as Chairman by the members of the Union Committee. I congratulate Finbarr Crowley on the development of the game during his tenure as Chairman and thank him for everything he has done for Irish rugby.

"I am looking forward to taking up my new role and hope that my time at club, provincial and IRFU level will help me in this new position as Chairman.

"I wish to acknowledge my wife Geraldine and my children, Deirdre and David, who have allowed me to spend so much time in the sport I love, and have supported me in each role that I have taken on."