O’Connor departs as clouds remain
THE future of Bray Wanderers remains clouded following Denis O’Connor’s resignation as chairman last week. O’Connor confirmed his resignation on Thursday via a statement released by the club.
In said statement, O’Connor declares his resignation from the club as chairman/director and also as director of Milway Dawn Ltd. He comments that during his time at the helm, he was “driven by a desire to resolve legacy issues and get the senior squad in the top half of the league table”.
He cites personal reasons for his departure, something “that is all for another day”.
There was a lot of praise for people at the club, “fellow Directors , officers in the club and the extremely hardworking and loyal people who give of their time freely…Harry Kenny - a true gentleman in every sense of the word.”
In parting, he also wished “all the teams and coaches the best of luck for the remainder of the season”.
Denis’ brother Martin – the club secretary – is expected to remain in his position. Denis’ last act as chairman is believed to have been securing the funding to keep the club afloat for the remainder of the season and he will be replaced as chairman by director Gerry Mulvey for the foreseeable future.
In a subsequent statement released by Mulvey, he revealed that Denis O’Connor had broached the subject of his resignation days prior to its official announcement. Mulvey thanked O’Connor for “the immense work and effort he has put into the club over the past three years”.
Mulvey expressed that without O’Connor, the “would have collapsed” in 2014 and that the ex-chairman “gave 100% dedication to save it and for the past three seasons”.
As things stand, Mulvey will continue as interim chairman until a permanent successor can be found.
Five players have reportedly requested mutual cancellations of their contract in the past week but Martin O’Connor has informed the Bray/Wicklow People that any such requests will fall on deaf ears unless all 21 members of the senior squad unite to make the same request.