Rooney takes top FAI job

A former high-flying figure in the international high-tech businessworld is to become the top man in Irish soccer.

The Football Association of Ireland tonight named Fran Rooney, once the head of Baltimore Technologies, an Internet security firm that was a smash hit with investors on both sides of the Atlantic before the sector’s downturn, as their new chief executive.

Mr Rooney takes over from Brendan Menton, who quit after a critical report by consultants of the controversial build-up to Ireland’s appearance in last summer’s World Cup finals in Japan and Korea that ended with skipper and Manchester United star Roy Keane being sent home by then manager Mick McCarthy.

Confirming Mr Rooney’s accession, FAI President Milo Corcoran said he was delighted “to be able to announce the appointment of someone of the calibre and experience of Mr Rooney to the position of chief executive.”

Though better-known for his business successes, Mr Rooney, has strong soccer connections.

He was once manager of the Irish Women’s soccer team, was on the books of several well-known Dublin soccer teams and has been a member of the FAI council.

A chartered accountant, Mr Rooney quit as boss of Baltimore Technologies two years ago after developing the company into a world-leader whose shares were quoted in London and on New York’s high-tech Nasdaq stock exchange.

Businessman of the Year in 2000, he is currently chairman of a number of other technology companies.

Mr Rooney said tonight “I see my role as providing the leadership for the FAI and the football community across the country through the period of significant change which lies ahead.

“We have world class International soccer teams and we should aspire to match this success on the park with a similarly strong football association.

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

Mr Corcoran said: “It is an important time for the Association and I know that 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 will begin his new job in June.

The appointment of a chief executive officer was a fundamental restructuring priority outlined in the recommendations of the Genesis consultancy’s report into the FAI last November.