An Irish woman has been revealed as the new global CEO of the Special Olympics.

Mary Davis has spent the past 40 years with the sports organisation for people with intellectual disabilities.

She was in charge of the Special Olympics World Games when they were held in Ireland in 2003, which was the first time they'd ever been held outside the US.

After 40 years of steadfast service congratulations to Mary Davis - new global CEO of @SpecialOlympics ! pic.twitter.com/knEcgkXzVg

— Special Olympics Irl (@SOIreland) 12 May 2016

Davis has previously served as the CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, as well as Managing Director of the European branch of the organisation.

Mary Davis also gained fame after her bid to become President of the country five years ago.