Current national 100m champion, Gary Ryan from Nenagh has been handed the responsibility for developing the sport of athletics. The Director of Development will work primarily with schools and clubs with the aim of promoting the sport. He will focus initially on training coaches and teachers so that clubs and schools have the personnel to promote athletics. The Development Department will seek to expand immediately by appointing Regional Development Officers. They will be advertised next week. Athletics Ireland are currently redesign their coaching programmes and in the coming months the Development Officers will be organising courses throughout the country. Gary is looking forward to the challenge offered by this position. He is currently working at the University of Limerick and he brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to this job