Michael Evans appointed President of Golf Ireland
Athlone Golf Club’s Michael Evans was appointed as the new Golf Ireland President at the 2025 National AGM this weekend.
The fifth annual Golf Ireland AGM took place on Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin, where Evans succeeded outgoing President, Rosemary Tully (Carlow), picture above with the new president (Photo: Ryan Byrne / Inpho).
Evans becomes the latest figure to lead the Governing Body for golf in Ireland, having served as President-Elect over the previous year.
Speaking after his appointment, he discussed his pride in taking the role.
“I am honoured to become President and to represent Golf Ireland. My thanks go to the Chair, Board Members, Club Delegates, Regional Executive Committee, CEO Mark, and the Golf Ireland staff, for this huge privilege,” said Evans.
“I want to acknowledge Athlone Golf Club and the Connacht Regional Executive for their unwavering support, along with my wife Anne, who has managed our family life while I have been immersed in championships and meetings over many years. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Golf Ireland, and I thank them for their commitment.
“I also pay tribute to our outgoing President, Rosemary, whose tenure has been marked by tireless dedication and the successful introduction of the Volunteer Framework.
“I am excited about the events and opportunities on the horizon, including continued government support and our growing suite of championships and major events across the island.
“I look forward to championing our shared vision that golf remains open, inclusive, and enjoyable.”
In addition, Fiona Delargy (Cushendall) was confirmed for the President-Elect position and she will assume the Presidency at the 2026 AGM.
The meeting also saw the reappointment of Paul Haran as Chairperson, along with the approval of three new Directors who will serve four-year terms on the Board.
Lucan’s Tony Goode was elected as Regional Director, while Jacqueline Manning and Karen Morton took Nominated Director roles.
Golf Ireland also recognised the outstanding contributions of club volunteers through its newly revamped Club Volunteer of the Year Awards, with this year’s format expanded to five categories.
The LevelPar award went to Janet Slattery (St Helen’s Bay), the Disability and Inclusion award was won by Kevin Farrell (Edenderry), Gordon Murray (Grange) won the Sustainability award, the Junior Development award went to Judith Connolly (Portadown), and Excellence in Service was awarded to Michael O’Brien (Ballyneety).
Michael Evans bio
Michael Evans has had a long and successful career in financial services and has a passion for the game of golf. As an experienced Rules official, who refereed at all levels of National and Regional championships, he has also refereed at DP World Tour and Challenge Tour events and Home Internationals.
Michael is a Trustee at Athlone Golf Clubwhere he was Captain in 2012, and also had a significant involvement with the Connacht Regional Executive and National Committees of Golf Ireland since its formation.
His wife Anne is also past Captain and President in Athlone and a former Tournaments Secretary of the ILGU. Michael's experience at all levels within his club and Golf Ireland has given him a thorough understanding of the expectations of volunteers, sponsors, clubs and club golfers.
Tony Goode bio
Tony Goode has been a member at Lucan Golf Club since 1999 following 20 years in Slade Valley where he served on the Committee.
Prior to becoming involved in Golf Ireland he was Engineering Manager at Dublin Bus, overseeing complex operations with a team of 200 and managing three major garages, which helped define his organizational and leadership abilities.
Tony was selected on the Irish Seniors teams in 2006 and 2007 and joined the GUI Leinster Branch in 2008, where he was convenor of senior golf.
He captained the Men's and Senior Irish teams over a six-year period with success at all levels. Tony has been a member of Golf Ireland since its inception in 2021 and is a Level 3 Rules Officials and Leinster Chair of Rules.
Jacqueline Manning bio
Jacqueline Manning is a Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager at Gas Networks Ireland.
Her diverse professional background includes IT, Technical Energy Regulation, and Inclusion Leadership in the Financial Services and Energy Sectors.
Jacqueline has previously served on the ISACA Ireland board and is a dedicated mentor and coach, supporting women in the energy sector and job seekers.
Jacqueline is a passionate advocate, with an unwavering commitment to champion accessibility and representation. She currently serves on the Inclusion and Diversity Committee.Jacqueline is a member of Lismore Golf Club.
Karen Morton bio
Karen Morton is a Chartered Director and Marketeer with 25+ years of executive and non-executive director experience.
Karen is a non-executive director on a portfolio of boards including daa plc and is an examiner for the Institute of Directors Chartered Director Programme.
Karen has extensive commercial, strategy and marketing expertise in Ireland and internationally in multi-nationals and start-ups.
Karen was previously Chief Marketing Officer of Dell Financial Services and held leadership roles in Dell, British Airways, eir and Monster.com.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from the University of Limerick, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. Karen is a member at Edmondstown Golf Cluband was a junior member in Limerick.
