Ms Reilly is a barrister and a leading anti-doping expert, while Ms Ahern is the former head of legal and compliance at World Rugby.

The national governing body for cycling across the island of Ireland is reconstituting its board to address concerns about gender balance raised by Sport Ireland.

The president of the body has stepped down and his position will remain vacant until the next AGM in November 2022. The role will be fulfilled in the meantime by the vice president, solicitor and former Irish national cycling team member Conor Campbell.

Matt McKerrow, CEO of Cycling Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of these new directors. The staff of Cycling Ireland is hugely passionate and proud of the positive work being done.

“The current popularity, investment in infrastructure, and the physical, mental health, environmental and community building benefits of cycling represent a once in a generation opportunity. Participation numbers are growing at all age groups and at all levels of cycling, and the membership and staff of Cycling Ireland deserve a leadership which is unified and shares a crystal-clear vision and plan for the development of the sport.

“We are acutely aware of our responsibility to protect and grow the sport on behalf of our members and future generations of cyclists. Members are, and always will be, the most important part of our sport and we now need to redouble our efforts to serve their best interests.

“We are grateful to Sport Ireland for its support and guidance throughout this process and to the chairs of our provincial councils for their work.”