Sarah Jane McDonnell Appointed Deputy Chef de Mission, Performance Support for Team Ireland at LA28

Team Ireland has confirmed the appointment of Sarah‑Jane McDonnell as Deputy Chef de Mission, Performance Support for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a role that recognises her long-standing contribution to high-performance sport and her leadership within the Sport Ireland Institute.

McDonnell has been a central figure in supporting Irish athletes across multiple Olympic cycles. Her experience in performance planning, athlete services and Games operations positions her as a key member of the leadership team guiding Team Ireland on the road to LA28.

Speaking about her appointment, Sarah‑Jane McDonnell said:

“I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Deputy Chef de Mission, Performance Support for Team Ireland for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Supporting Irish athletes has been the privilege of my career, and it means a great deal to be trusted with this responsibility. The Olympic Games represent the highest level of sport, and I am committed to helping create an environment where our athletes can perform at their very best.”

Chef de Mission for Team Ireland at LA28, Gavin Noble, welcomed the announcement and highlighted the importance of the Sport Ireland Institute in the athlete journey:

“Sarah‑Jane brings deep experience, strong leadership and a genuine understanding of what athletes need to succeed at the Games. Her appointment strengthens our preparations for LA28 and ensures that athlete welfare and performance remain at the centre of every decision. The Sport Ireland Institute plays a vital role in the athlete pathway, providing world-class expertise and daily support, and Sarah‑Jane’s involvement ensures that this knowledge is embedded in our Games leadership team.”

Director of the Sport Ireland Institute, Liam Harbison, also praised the appointment and emphasised McDonnell’s impact across the high-performance system:

“Sarah‑Jane has been instrumental in shaping the support structures that underpin Irish high performance sport. Her commitment to athletes and her deep understanding of the high performance environment make her an outstanding choice for this role. The Sport Ireland Institute is proud to see her expertise contribute directly to Team Ireland’s leadership for LA28.”

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 30 July 2028, marking the city’s first hosting of the Games since 1984. Planning for Team Ireland’s preparation and performance environment is already underway, with a strong focus on long-term performance support, athlete wellbeing and operational excellence.

Sarah-Jane’s appointment follows the re-signing of the Performance Support Delivery Partnership between the OFI and the Sport Ireland Institute to cover the LA2028 Games cycle. This role was undertaken by the Institute’s Director of Performance Support, Phil Moore, for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.