Sinn Féin TD responds at Drogheda United's attempts to remove her as Chairperson

Deputy Joanna Byrne confirmed that efforts have been made by the Drogheda board to remove her from her position following her statement last week where she stated that Ireland should not play Israel in the Nations League.

Drogheda United chairperson Joanna Byrne celebrates with the FAI Cup. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sinn Féin TD for Louth Joanna Byrne has responded to Drogheda United Football Club's attempts to have her removed as Chairperson.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Deputy Byrne confirmed that efforts have been made by the Drogheda board to remove her from her position following her statement last week where she stated that Ireland should not play Israel in the Nations League.

Byrne insists she was entitled to express her views, issued in her capacity as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, and that she still stands over those comments she made.

Drogheda United have yet to make any comment on the matter.

“On Monday morning, I was informed by the Board of Directors of Drogheda United Football Club that my role as Chairperson of the club was no longer tenable with an expectation that I would resign, something I have told them that I intend to resist,” began Teachta Byrne.

“This unwarranted action was taken after my public statement last week that Ireland should not play Israel in the Nations League while a genocide against the Palestinian people continues.

“It is profoundly hurtful that expressing a moral view - one shared by the majority of Irish football fans - has led to this approach despite me never referencing the club at any stage whilst doing so.

“I stand over those comments. They were made from a deeply held belief in equality, human rights and the power of sport to take principled positions - as it has done many times in history.

“These fixtures should not go ahead, and I believe pressure will grow in the days and weeks ahead against them. This position is in line with Drogheda Utd delegates' vote at the FAI General Assembly in November in supporting a motion for UEFA to ban Israel from its European Club and International Competitions.

“Drogheda United has been part of my identity since childhood - standing on the terraces, travelling to away games, sharing victories and heartbreaks with family and neighbours. The club is woven into the fabric of my life and of our town.

“To have the honour of serving as Chairperson - and as the first woman to hold that position in the League of Ireland - is a source of great pride to me. I work every day in that role to strengthen the club’s governance, sustainability and standing within Irish football. I do so voluntarily, and always in what I believe to be the best interests of Drogheda United.

“Drogheda United is a community club. It belongs to the people of this town - to the children who pull on the claret and blue for the first time, to the volunteers who give countless hours, to the supporters who travel the length of the country week in, week out. I have always sought to honour that spirit.

“Nothing will diminish my commitment to Drogheda United or to the League of Ireland more broadly. I remain immensely proud of the progress made during my tenure, and will continue to elevate the Club and the League of Ireland at every opportunity.

“This has been a deeply upsetting development for me personally, but my attachment to Drogheda United runs far deeper.

“I will continue to support the club as I always have - as the proudest Chairperson in the Country, a supporter, a volunteer, and someone who believes wholeheartedly in its future and I look forward to seeing it continuing to thrive.”