Rooney unveiled as FAI’s new chief

NEW FAI chief Fran Rooney last night pledged to lead a “strong” Association off the field to match the Republic’s success on the pitch.

The FAI announced Mr Rooney, a chartered accountant with more than 20 years’ business experience in finance and info technology, as its new chief executive yesterday.

FAI president Milo Corcoran said: “It is an important time for the Association and I know the qualities and experience which Fran brings to the FAI will be critical in meeting the challenges we face as an Association in the process of change.”

Mr Rooney said he envisaged himself in a leadership role for the country’s entire soccer community.

“I believe that the work of the Association and its people particularly at grass roots level has at times been overshadowed.

“The many positive achievements of all connected with the game provide a solid base from which to build future success,” Mr Rooney said.

“The Association’s main priority is to create the environment to increase participation in football at every level throughout the country and this ambition remains at the core of what the FAI is really about“, he added. Commenting on the eircom League, Mr Rooney said the advent of summer soccer and the introduction of the club licensing system is providing the springboard for further success for the game at home.

Mr Rooney, who will take up his appointment in June, is chairman of Nirvana Technologies, Addoceo Digital Media, Skillspro the e-learning software developers and Data Direction.

He was previously president and chief executive of Baltimore Technologies, which he developed from start-up to a world leader in the e-security sector.

Mr Rooney has broad experience in the banking, government, and corporate sectors, and was named Businessperson of the Year in 2000.

He has also managed the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer team.