Paul Cooke replaces Gerry McAnaney as FAI president

NEXT MAN IN: Newly elected FAI president Paul Cooke, left, is presented with the presidential chains by outgoing FAI president Gerry McAnaney during the annual general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland at the Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Paul Cooke has been elected as president of the Football Association of Ireland on a two-year term.

The Waterford native - who succeeds outgoing president Gerry McAnaney - received 89 votes at the 2023 AGM of the association at the Radisson Blue St. Helen’s Hotel in Dublin. 

Also vying for the position, Joe O’Brien received 21 votes.

Tony Keohane was ratified as independent chairperson of the FAI, replacing Roy Barrett.

Meanwhile, John Finnegan of the Munster Football Association was elected unopposed to the role of vice-president, while Dave Moran of the Leinster Football Association was ratified as a director representing the Amateur Football Chamber. 

Tom Browne (National Bodies – SFAI) and Nixon Morton (National Bodies – Other) were also ratified as directors.

Independent Directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce, nominated by the Nominations Committee of the FAI, will each serve for a further two-year term following their ratification at the AGM.

Elsewhere, independent directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce will each serve for a further two-year term following their ratification at the association's AGM.