SFAI nominee Paddy Dempsey withdraws from FAI Board electoral process
DDSL Chairman Paddy Dempsey, nominated by the Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland to go forward for consideration for election to the board of the Football Association of Ireland has today withdrawn from the process.
The position became available following the resignation of SFAI Chairman John Earley from the FAI Board last Thursday.
Dempsey, a former UEFA referee and now chairman of the biggest league under the FAI’s jurisdiction with 25,000 players, was unanimously approved at Saturday’s SFAI Council meeting which was held in the Carlton Hotel at Dublin Airport.
Schoolboys and Schoolgirls are paired in a football constituency for electoral purposes to the FAI Board, with the representatives of schoolgirls football entitled to also put forward their own nominee.
Following his selection on Saturday and in discussion with family and friends Paddy Dempsey has now withdrawn his name from the process.
“I was honored to be nominated by my colleagues within the Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland,” said Dempsey. “But, on reflection, I now appreciate that because of family and work commitments, I would not be able to devote my full commitment to a role which is sure to be demanding.”
“I recognise that the game and those elected to the Board of the Football Association of Ireland requires a huge demand on their time and energies.
“In the interests of providing clarity, I’m making this decision now so that the SFAI can look for a suitable alternative at the earliest opportunity. I would like to place on record my gratitude to all my SFAI colleagues on council and executive for their support of my nomination and hope they will be understanding of the reason why I must withdraw my name at this time.”
SFAI Chairman John Earley commented: “I want to thank Paddy Dempsey allowing his name go forward for consideration as a member of the board of the Football Association of Ireland, but we fully respect his decision and the reason behind his withdrawal from the process.”
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