David Balbirnie

David Balbirnie’s involvement with the National Association has been a life-long affair. He was actively involved with international hockey for more than 40 years, holding roles as Manager of the Irish senior outdoor and indoor teams and the under-21 teams. He was Honorary Secretary of Hockey Ireland from 1987 to 1993 and is a Honorary Life Member.

On the European front, Balbirnie was on the Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) for a number of years. He served as Secretary General for the EHF and, among the developments that he was involved in during his tenure, was the move to the new administrative headquarters in Brussels, the launch of the hugely successful Euro Hockey League and the integration of the former Soviet Union Republics into the European hockey competitive structure.

Within the FIH, Balbirnie was a member of the FIH Risk and Compliance Committee. Over the years he has been a member of the Executive Board and prides himself on his ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders and his knowledge of the workings of both the EHF and FIH.

David has been an outstanding ambassador for hockey in Ireland and throughout the world in his capacity as FIH Executive Board member and Honorable General Secretary of the European Hockey Federation.