The Football Association of Ireland today (September 2) announced that its Finance Director, Mark O’Leary has decided to return to work in industry and commerce and will leave the Association tomorrow. Pádraig Smith will manage the finance function of the Association on an interim basis.

Mr O’Leary was appointed finance director in June 2005 having held senior positions with both the Autobar Group and Deloitte & Touche in London.

Commenting today, FAI CEO John Delaney said, "Over the past five years, during what has been a period of sustained growth and development for the Association, Mark has made a very significant contribution, putting in place the necessary financing arrangements to fund its share of the Aviva Stadium construction costs and having significantly improved the financial reporting and controls in the Association". "I want to thank Mark for his commitment to the organisation and on behalf of the staff and voluntary members wish Mark well in his future career", Delaney added.

Speaking today, Mark O’Leary said,
“I have very much enjoyed my time working for the FAI during a period of rapid growth which saw us become joint owners of the €411m Aviva Stadium. During the past five years, the Association has grown the sport significantly through a comprehensive €70m investment programme for all strands of grassroots football, as well as successfully funding the FAI’s share of the construction costs of Aviva Stadium. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me over the past five years and wish the FAI every success in the future.”

Pádraig Smith, will manage the finance function of the FAI on an interim basis and has been with the Association since 2007, having previously worked with Ernst and Young. Pádraig has a strong background in both finance and football and is a member of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play steering committee. Pádraig has a well rounded knowledge of the business of sport and was instrumental in introducing the Salary Cost Protocol to the Airtricity League.