Dundalk unveil new chief executive

Former FAI general secretary Sean Connolly has been unveiled as Dundalk’s chief executive officer, the club has announced.

Connolly, a Dundalk native, was recruited by club chairman Tony O’Kane, who took over at Oriel Park in May and appointed former Shelbourne defender Jim Gannon as manager.

Connolly was part of a mass exodus of officers from Merrion Square in 1996, including president Louis Kilcoyne and treasurer Joe Delaney, who all resigned following a row over World Cup tickets at USA '94.

Eight years on at a press conference last night, O’Kane hailed Connolly’s appointment as the ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ and added: "I reckon it is the biggest signing the club has ever made.

"It is vitally important for the club over the next three to five years. We want to be one of the biggest clubs in the country looking to be part of the European scene from year to year.

"We have seen after Shelbourne's exploits what can be achieved. I think we have the man on board who can take the club forward."