Niall Quinn appointed ambassador for FAI facilities fund drive

Niall Quinn has been named an ambassador for the FAI’s new Global Ireland Football Foundation, which aims to raise the €173 million (20 % of €863 million) needed to modernise Irish football facilities.

The foundation, rebranded from the Ireland Football Facility Fund after two years of development, is now actively pitching potential donors. A separate board, chaired by FAI Chairman Tony Keohane and President Paul Cooke, includes Irish figures with international experience such as Susan Whelan, former Leicester City chief executive, and Ray Wilson, an Australia‑based commercial leader who holds a 25 % stake in Shamrock Rovers.

FAI chief executive David Courell told the annual general meeting that “small pledges” have already been received following a soft launch in March and a formal launch around the Ireland Funds 50th anniversary. Keohane said the approach is “steady as she goes” and not a demand for immediate large donations.

Quinn, a former Ireland striker and brief deputy chief executive of the FAI in 2020, will use his profile to “tell the stories, create the links and highlight the importance of social development through football,” according to Keohane.

Courell also confirmed live negotiations with women’s national team manager Carla Ward regarding a contract extension ahead of the World Cup playoff against Poland, while noting the team’s recent rise to a world ranking of 21.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Devansh Shah / Pexels.