The former president of the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) has been appointed by the Government to head the Irish Institute of Sport.
Seán Kelly was appointed executive chairman of the body, which is aiming to improve the performances of Ireland's elite athletes at the Olympics and other major international sporting events.
The announcement was made this morning by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue.
The institute will be based in Abbotstown.
Announcing the establishment of the new body, Minister O'Donoghue, said: "The Institute of Sport is an integral part of Ireland's sporting infrastructure and it will make an immense contribution to the ongoing process of ensuring that our elite athletes are given every resource and opportunity to enhance their performances at major international events.
"It will play a key role in preparing our athletes for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and in particular for the London 2012 Olympic Games."