Caroline Rhatigan defeats Niamh O'Mahony in election for LOI's FAI board seat

Caroline Rhatigan during the 2023 FAI AGM. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Caroline Rhatigan will represent the League of Ireland on the FAI board after defeating incumbent Niamh O’Mahony 20-14 in a ballot of delegates.

Cork native O’Mahony was up for election ahead of next month’s FAI AGM, both welcoming the contest and congratulating her rival following her victory.

FAI procedure decrees that clubs from both the men’s and women’s leagues, as well as underage clubs, the Players union (PFAI) and fans’ groups vote to decide who bats for them at the top table.

Just one of the 14 places on the board is earmarked for what’s known as the professional chamber, with half of the seats assigned to independent directors as a state condition for continued funding.

O’Mahony had beaten Rhatigan 21-18 in November 2022 and this rematch, held virtually, enabled voters to assess their respective credentials almost two years on.

Rhatigan’s elevation constitutes a comeback few could have anticipated back in 2010.

Then Vice-Chairperson of the national league, she failed in her challenge to unseat Chair Eamon Naughton, blaming then chief executive John Delaney on the 15-7 defeat.

She claimed clubs rang her on the morning of the vote to apologise for switching sides while Naughton, whose triumph bestowed an FAI board seat until the corporate governance crisis in 2019 led to a clearout, denied any “meddling”.

Originally part of the now defunct Kilkenny City, Rhatigan has since had a long association with Longford Town.

Both contenders were afforded the opportunity to address delegates on the call in advance of votes being cast, with Rhatigan citing the chronic underfunding of academies as integral to her manifesto.

Recent soundings from Government on a round of funding have been positive for a sector still in its infancy despite Brexit placing the onus on league clubs for youth development. Yet Sports Minister Thomas Byrne tempered expectations in the context of the €6m annual deficit estimated.

“I will prioritise finding ways of bringing in more financial support to improve our league, both men’s and women’s – starting with the Academies,” she said.

“I will use my contacts in the political arena to achieve this and improve our ability to thrive, both as a league and as an association.

“I will not shy away from asking the hard questions and don’t give up, which is why I’m back here again.

“I promise that I will have the needs and potential of our chamber at the heart of every action and decision I’m involved in. I’ll always be fair and measured in my approach.“ 

Pointedly, she added about her determination to place the domestic product at the tip of the footballing food-chain. 

“This is not just a tick-box exercise. This is your voice on the FAI board folks and it needs to be heard. You need to make the right decision of who will champion your needs at FAI board level for the next two years.” 

O’Mahony, who works full-time in football as chief operating officer and head of governance with Football Supporters Europe, made her pitch first.

“As directors, FAI board members are independent and need to consider all of football,” she said.

“There are crucial months ahead in terms of funding discussions, progressing the pathways plan to reinforce the league as our professional and top tier and continued work on financing, cost control, diversity, ongoing governance and member engagement. I feel that I’m well-placed to continue that on behalf of the professional chamber.

“I heard the frustration, the challenges that need to be taken on and incredible passion people have for our league, specifically the strong need and desire for better times to come.” 

Rhatigan’s nomination as FAI board member will be rubberstamped by the General Assembly at the AGM on Saturday, September 14.

Meanwhile, new Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson will help conduct the FAI quarter-final draw on Tuesday (12.30pm), available to view on FAI social channels.