New CEO running to the helm

An eight time All Ireland winner is now at the helm of Sanctuary Runners, a solidarity-through-sport initiative which uses running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents.

Former Dublin footballer Michael Darragh Macauley has been appointment the charity’s CEO, after its founder Graham Clifford stepped aside as CEO at the end of 2023, to take up a new position developing the organisation internationally.

A leader on the field of play, Michael Darragh has worked with North East Inner City (NEIC) Dublin over many years where, amongst numerous projects, he helped create the NEIC Trojans basketball team welcoming young people of all different cultural backgrounds.

He said: “As someone who has always believed in the power of sport for social good, I have been a huge supporter of the work Sanctuary Runners has done over the last few years. Now, more than ever, Sanctuary Runners has a role to play all over the island of Ireland in bringing communities closer together. I’m excited to help grow our message of Solidarity, Friendship, Respect over the coming years."

Anna Pringle, Chair of the Board of Sanctuary Runners said Michael Darragh’s appointment comes at a time of great growth for the not-for-profit movement.

She said: “Sanctuary Runners has gone from strength to strength. We now have groups all over Ireland, led by very dedicated local volunteers who are helping integrate communities through running, walking and even swimming together. We are very excited to welcome Michael Darragh as CEO. His energy and leadership will provide a huge boost as we continue to grow in Ireland and beyond.”

The Sanctuary Runners was established in Cork in February 2018 by Graham Clifford and Clare Keogh. Sanctuary Runners now has 40 groups across Ireland with plans to build more. Its groups bring together locals, migrants, refugees and those seeking international protection to run, jog and walk in solidarity, friendship and respect. In 2022, with support from Swim Ireland, it established a Sanctuary Swimmers initiative.

Graham said: “We’re just overjoyed, Michael Darragh is a legend on and off the field. He’s displayed through his work in recent years how much he values community in all its rich and wonderful diversity.

“His combination of proactivity, passion and energy are a formidable cocktail and we’re all looking forward to working with him to achieve our mission of building more socially cohesive, sound and respectful communities.

“I’m a Kerryman, so he broke my heart many times over the years - but that’s mostly forgiven now…”