Election delight for Fitzgerald

Tony Fitzgerald became the first FAI president from Cork for 28 years on Saturday when he was elected unopposed at association’s AGM in Athlone.

Not since Pat O’Brien assumed the highest honorary role in Irish football back in 1986 has a Leesider held the office.

Fitzgerald, from Ballyphehane, stated upon his election by fellow FAI officers: “Hopefully I will be able to live up to the task of this onerous position.”

The new president steps up to the role, having served as vice-president to his departing predecessor Paddy McCaul for the past four years.

Fitzgerald, who turned 71 a day before his elevation, possesses a rich history in football. As well as being a former long-standing chairman and fixtures secretary of the Cork AUL, he represented the Munster Football Association in various FAI committees over the decades, including a term as FAI Youths committee chairman.

Fitzgerald, who will serve four years in the post, added: “I am honoured to have been elected president of the FAI. It is a very proud moment for me and I look forward to serving the needs of our volunteers nationwide.”