FAI AGM leaves unanswered questions

He may have his critics elsewhere but, within the confines of the Football of Ireland annual general meeting over the weekend, John Delaney was certainly king of the castle.

The chief executive of the organisation, who hatched a secretive hush-money deal with Fifa President Sepp Blatter and titled the only professional league under his association’s jurisdiction a “difficult child”, was hailed by his long-serving and loyal colleagues on the board throughout.

Towards the end of the two-hour gathering at the Hotel Minella, three delegates from the floor spoke glowingly about the work of Delaney, still being paid a hefty €360,000 per annum after two pay cuts. All three were from Connacht, a province that caters for just four junior leagues.