Breathnach was chosen for the top job in Irish Paralympic sport at the governing body's virtual Annual General Meeting.

The former Para table tennis player, who represented Ireland at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games, steps into a role vacated by Fulham after he decided to stand down at the end of his first four-year term.

Her elevation from vice-president to President means the two bodies governing Olympic and Paralympic sport in Ireland are led by women.

"I am hugely honoured to become President, it is an organisation I have always admired," said Breathnach.

"From my experience, it is an organisation that has always demonstrated high levels of high performance and high standards ever since I became involved in the organisation as an athlete, over twenty years ago."

Breathnach added: "Para sport is an increasingly competitive environment; it is moving forward at an incredible speed. 

"I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, board and Sport Ireland to ensure that all our athletes continue to perform on the world stage, and that no athletes are left behind."

Lisa Clancy and Denis Toomey were elected as vice-presidents during the meeting, held virtually for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brendan Jennings and Mairead Farquharson have also stepped down from the Paralympics Ireland Board.

The Paralympics Ireland membership heard updates on preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, postponed to this year because of the global health crisis.

Ireland has so far secured 20 quota places for the Games, due to run from August 24 to September 5.