Sadlier joins new St Pat’s board

FORMER Republic of Ireland international and Millwall striker Richard Sadlier has been appointed to the new board of directors of Saint Patrick’s Athletic.

“Surprised but pleased,” is how the Dubliner reacted to the news yesterday. “Fintan Drury (of the Platinum One sports agency) originally approached me about it and when I learned more about what would be involved I became really interested. I’m very much looking forward to the role.”

Sadlier, whose career was cut short by chronic hip injury, had been training with Sunderland last season but by Christmas it was clear that any realistic hopes he had of resuming his playing career would be in vain.

Now he will bring his footballing experience to bear behind the scenes at Richmond Park, where he will resume close professional contact with Pats’ Director of Football Brian Kerr, whom Sadlier knows well from his under-age days with Ireland.

Following his acquisition of the club, property developer Garrett Kelleher is the new chairman of a board which, along with Sadlier, features accountant and MD of Dolmen Securities Geraldine Jones, solicitor Jerry Sheehan, accountant and investment analyst Connor Gallagher, leading sports physiotherapist Mark McCabe, who runs the Sports Med Ireland Clinic in Dublin and, remaining from the previous board, local business man and long-time Pats stalwart, Phil Mooney.

Commenting on the latest developments at Richmond Park, new chairman Garrett Kelleher said: “We have long-term ambitions for this club which would establish it as a force in the European game. The transition from the current set-up is going to take time and patience. The appointment of this board represents an important first step in this regard.

“Following on the appointment of Brian Kerr as Director of Football and the excellent progress we have made in the early part of the season under his and Johnny McDonnell’s stewardship, we can now set about making organisational change that will prepare us better for the realisation of the longer-term objective.

“We look forward to working with the Football Association. It is important they create the environment that will allow serious people with genuine ambition advance the domestic game in Ireland. Clubs cannot achieve great things on their own but with the right conditions more clubs will secure strong financial backing and the league in Ireland will prosper. ”

Outgoing St Pats secretary and former board member Stephen Connelly commented: “Everyone is delighted with the way things are going. Phil Mooney will bring continuity and depth of experience while Richard Sadlier’s appointment is significant. I now look forward to continuing with my life-long role as a Pats fan.”

It’s understood that Pats will shortly confirm the appointment of a new CEO, Eamon O’ Carroll, who has a background in accountancy.