Rooney welcomes 'positive' dialogue with clubs

FAI chief executive officer Fran Rooney last night welcomed the decision of the eircom Leagues clubs to meet with the FAI to further discuss outline proposals which he presented at last Saturday’s meeting of the eircom League clubs.

The proposals to merge the Association with the eircom League has already led to the resignation of Brendan Dillon, the eircom League chairman.

Nevertheless Rooney expressed satisfaction with the latest talks.

“We’re delighted that the eircom League clubs have clearly decided they want to engage in further dialogue with the FAI on the possibility of a merger”, he said.

“Whatever emerges from these further talks, it’s very positive that consultation and dialogue is taking place so actively”, he added.

At its meeting on Monday night, the eircom League clubs nominated six Management Committee members - together with Acting Chairman Declan Ó Luanaigh and Acting General Manager Michael Hayes - to meet with Rooney later this week.

They will report back to the League’s Management Committee at its next meeting on Wednesday, January 28.

Rooney said that the outline proposals put to last Saturday’s meeting were a starting point for discussions and consultation between the FAI and the League.

“It’s important that we work together, for and with all strands of the game – we have that responsibility” he said.

“I believe an inclusive approach is the key to progressing each area of the game in Ireland and in this spirit it’s very encouraging that the clubs and the FAI will move our discussions forward by meeting this week”, Rooney said.