By:
Conor Martin
Former Meath star Karen Dessain-Gelinet has been named CEO of the Camogie Association.
After 15+ years in the global tech world, including a stint as Director of Customer Support at HubSpot, Dessain-Gelinet is set to bring her expertise and leadership to the sport she knows best.
She succeeds Sinead McNulty, who stepped down in September. McNulty’s tenure as Camogie CEO was marked by significant progress and pivotal changes.
She oversaw efforts to modernise the association, strengthen its governance, and raise the sport’s profile both nationally and internationally.
McNulty also guided the early stages of discussions around the amalgamation with the GAA and LGFA, laying important groundwork for future integration.
Her leadership helped position camogie for growth, increased visibility, and broader engagement across all levels of the sport.
Dessain-Gelinet steps in February at a pivotal time, as the Camogie Association pushes forward with its merger plans and drives the sport’s continued growth.
A decorated player, Dessain-Gelinet racked up nine Meath senior titles and a Leinster club crown with Kilmessan, capped off by an All-Ireland Junior triumph with Meath in 2008, before finishing her career at Ratoath.
Karen Dessain-Gelinet ready to drive Camogie forward
Excited to take the helm, the new Camogie CEO is eager to help the sport thrive. She said: “Camogie has shaped who I am as a leader, a team-mate, and a person, a lifelong passion that has given me friendships, community, and purpose.
“To now have the opportunity to serve the sport that has given me so much is both humbling and energising. This role is far more than a job for me; it is a lifelong passion meeting professional purpose.
“My decades of involvement in camogie, combined with my global management experience, position me to help drive the organisation forward at a truly exciting moment for our sport. I am genuinely thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to its growth and future.”
Former county star could face several challenges as Camogie CEO
There are a handful of challenges Dessain-Gelinet will need to deal with a she steps into the sports’ biggest role.
She will need to navigate the ongoing amalgamation with the GAA and LGFA, balancing tradition with modernisation while keeping stakeholders aligned.
Growing participation and visibility, securing sponsorship, and driving media coverage remain key priorities. Internally, unifying staff and fostering a professional culture during this period of change will be essential. While the skort debate is now settled, other cultural and inclusivity issues may arise.
Maintaining competitive success on the field while steering strategic growth off it will require vision, diplomacy, and careful execution.
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