O’Donoghue move marks watershed moment for FAI

NIAMH O’DONOGHUE has become the first woman to be appointed to the FAI’s board of management.

Currently chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, O’Donoghue’s (right) new role was confirmed at the Association’s AGM in Kilkenny yesterday.

Chief executive John Delaney also announced that the Under 13 National League will begin in March 2019, while honorary treasurer Eddie Murray reiterated Delaney’s assertion last month that they will look at paying off some of the FAI’s €34million debt in the first half of next year once the World Cup qualifying campaign has concluded.

Delaney did not answer questions from the media yesterday but, addressing delegates, he said: ‘The FAI has changed quite fundamentally over the years. The changes, especially in areas of organisation, planning and, of course, in how we administer the game, represent a massive shift over the last 20 years in how football is managed. ‘While we have come a long way we have more to do to ensure continuous improvement. The FAI today is a stakeholder, we are an organisation which takes a strategic approach to what we do. We work together; the board, the council, committees, delegates, staff and volunteers, along with all other stakeholders, to bring about change to improve our game.

‘In recent years some of these changes have been fundamental and have taken some time and also required patience,’ Delaney added. ‘In some cases they have also been the subject of some criticisms. But together, as a family of football, we have done what is right and we should continue to work together.’