FAI promotes Rea Walshe to Chief Operating Officer

As the Association continues to grow, with nearly 200 employees on board, the COO will oversee a number of departments and manage several major projects, including the development of the Centre of Excellence in Glanmire, Cork.

Currently, Corporate Affairs and Licensing Director, Rea is already working on various projects and will commence work as COO at the start of April.

A law graduate from UCC, Rea recently oversaw the FAI’s implementation of new governance guidelines endorsed by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. She has also worked closely with the Irish Soccer Referee’s Society, the Referees Committee and other affiliates on new measures to protect match officials.

Rea joined the FAI in 2014 from Liberty Insurance and graduated with distinction from the inaugural UEFA Football Law Programme, while she is currently participating on the Executive Master in Sport Governance, the foremost programme for Sports Administrators in Europe.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said: "I am delighted to confirm Rea’s promotion to this very important role within the FAI. We are always looking at ways to improve our management and this role will greatly enhance our executive team.

"Rea has been a key member of our executive for many years now and this promotion reflects her dedication and commitment to continually improving Irish football and the FAI.

"She has worked diligently with our Board and our Governance Committee on bringing us in line with the new Department guidelines ahead of schedule, something which Minister Brendan Griffin commended us on recently.

"I look forward to Rea’s continued expertise and enthusiasm driving the game here forward at all levels for many years to come. Her promotion will make us stronger at a time when we are adding to our executive management team and I wish Rea continued success."

Rea said: "I look forward to embracing the responsibilities that this new role brings and continuing to work hard on projects that will have a positive impact on Irish football."

The Board of Management of the FAI also congratulates Rea on her promotion and look forward to working with her in this capacity from early April.

Rea's promotion to COO follows three recent appointments at Director level.

Karen Campion was recently promoted to Director of Business Partnerships and Strategy while Cathal Dervan will join the FAI as Director of Public Relations and Communications in late March and Alex O’Connell will take on the role of Director of Finance at the start of April.