Michael Kennedy

Nedrow, NY –– Michael Kennedy has had a sustained and influential impact on the International lacrosse landscape.

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ireland Lacrosse, and as a long-serving player, captain, coach and referee at many levels, Kennedy's career reflects a rare combination of competitive experience, institutional leadership, and stewardship of the game.

Kennedy was born in Croton-on-Hudson, New York and was introduced to lacrosse at age 12. He moved to Ireland in 1997 and, at a time when the sport had little domestic footprint, became a central figure in its establishment and growth. He represented the Irish Men's National Team across multiple eras, competing in 11 European and World Championship tournaments and serving as national team captain for six years. His return from retirement in 2015 to compete at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship on Onondaga Nation territory remains a defining moment, underscored by receiving a Haudenosaunee Confederacy stamp in his Irish passport and the Federation of International Lacrosse "Spirit of Lacrosse" Award.

Off the field, Kennedy was instrumental in building lacrosse in Ireland from the ground up. He co-founded the Dublin Lacrosse Club and the UCD Lacrosse Club, and has served both as head coach and administrator. In 2009 he led the establishment of Ireland Lacrosse as the sport's National Governing Body, recognized by the European Lacrosse Federation and World Lacrosse. He also served as Event Director for the 2022 World Lacrosse Men's U21 World Championship and World Festival in Limerick. In 2026, Kennedy guided Ireland Lacrosse through the process for obtaining Full Membership of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

Kennedy's leadership reached a defining moment in 2022 during preparations for the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama. When the Haudenosaunee Nationals---ranked third in the world---were temporarily excluded, Ireland Lacrosse, under Kennedy's direction and in consultation with key leaders in the organization, made the decision to voluntarily vacate its qualified place so the game's originators could compete. The decision resonated globally and Ireland Lacrosse was subsequently honored with the Musial Award for sportsmanship, recognizing this act of integrity within modern lacrosse.

That same year, Kennedy played a central role in ensuring the Haudenosaunee Men's U21 team could travel to Ireland using their own passports. The event was marked by gestures of mutual respect, including the presentation of traditional gifts and a guard of honor during the opening ceremony---a moment that underscored Kennedy's belief that lacrosse governance must reflect the game's origins.

"Micheal Kennedy personifies what it is to be a lacrosse player," said Haudenosaunee Nationals board member, Rex Lyons. "He's played the game with the passion and respect that's imbedded in the games' original instructions. He's made it part of his life's mission to care for all aspects of the Creator's Game, both on and off the field. And he's worked to ensure future generations will be able experience the same extraordinary journey of lacrosse, as he did."

Beyond Ireland, Kennedy has been a key contributor to the reform of international lacrosse governance, serving as Co-Chair of the World Lacrosse Governance Working Group and continuing as a member of the World Lacrosse Governance Committee.

As a recipient of the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award, Michael Kennedy is recognized not only for what he built, but for how he led––demonstrating that the growth of lacrosse carries an obligation to history, culture, and ethical responsibility. His career stands as a model for principled leadership in the global game.

The 2026 Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award ceremony will be held in Syracuse, New York, on September 11. Visit www.alfieaward.com for more information.

Ireland photos by Tom Beary