RTE have announced the appointment of Cliona O’Leary to the position of Deputy Head of Television Sport. The move comes as a result of a public competition and will see Cliona take on responsibility for the day-to-day management of all matters concerning RTÉ Television’s sports output.
Cliona, who has been Assistant Commissioning Editor for Television Sport since 2006, succeeds Ryle Nugent who has recently been appointed Group Head of Sport, RTÉ.
Cliona is currently on maternity leave and an RTÉ spokesperson says she is expected to return at the end of the year. Her new role as Deputy Head of Television Sport will remain vacant until her return to the broadcaster. Reporting to the Group Head of Sport, Cliona’s new senior management position is within the Television Integrated Business Division.
Group Head of Sport, Ryle Nugent, commented on the news, saying: ”Cliona has a proven track record in sports programming both as a programme maker and also as an Assistant Commissioning Editor. She is a great addition to our management team and I know she is ready to meet the challenges that face RTÉ Television Sport in the coming months and years.”
Cliona O’Leary herself also commented, saying; ‘I am honoured and delighted to accept this very important position with the RTÉ Sports Department. We have a great team of broadcasting professionals and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we face into a very exciting and challenging period for RTÉ.” RTÉ has reported that it will, this year, deliver in excess of 1,000 hours of television sports programming.
Cliona joined RTÉ Sport in 1997 and worked as Series Editor on International soccer & rugby. She produced RTÉ's Top 20 GAA Moments and edited World Cup and Olympic Games coverage. She has held the post of Assistant Commissioning Editor within the Sport's department since 2006, and worked as RTÉ Sport’s Away Team leader in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games. Clíona is originally from Drimoleague in West Cork and graduated with an honours BA degree in and Media & Communication Studies from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.
As to Cliona’s former role, Paula Fahy is currently acting Assistant Commissioning Editor for Television Sport until the role can be permanently filled. It is not yet known how or when Cliona’s successor will be chosen.
