FAI president visits UEFA

The new president of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Tony Fitzgerald, has visited the House of European Football in Nyon.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was accompanied by the FAI chief executive John Delaney, held talks with UEFA President Michel Platini and senior UEFA national association officials on issues relating to European football, as well as the close relationship between UEFA and the governing body in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Fitzgerald was involved with a number of clubs in his native Cork and was just 16 years old when he took on his first administrative role in local football. Having served with the regional Munster Football Association, he became chairman of the FAI youth committee and was in Cyprus to see the Republic of Ireland win the UEFA European Under-18 Championship in 1998 – a memorable year in which they were also crowned European U16 champions. Elected vice-president of the FAI in 2010, he succeeded Paddy McCaul as president this past July.

Football in the Republic of Ireland took off in a big way in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The national team enjoyed considerable success on the European and world stages under Jack Charlton, reaching the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Italy in 1990.

Ireland have also had a conveyor belt of top-class players over the years, with the likes of Johnny Giles, Liam Brady and Roy Keane, to name but three, establishing themselves with English clubs; that trio were counted as among the best players in Europe.

The country's domestic competition features two divisions, both running from spring to autumn. Women's soccer has also made its mark in recent years, Ireland finishing runners-up in the 2010 UEFA European Women's U17 Championship.

"It's a really important moment to come to UEFA and to meet a man of the stature of Michel Platini," Mr Fitzgerald told UEFA.org. "What he has achieved in football is phenomenal. What we've been discussing comes down to one word: football. We both love football, and this has come through in our talks today; the way the game is and should be played, what UEFA does to help.

"UEFA's help [to the FAI and other associations] is critical and crucial. The investment it makes is phenomenal and much appreciated by all associations. It helps us to put in place talent programmes to bring the best youngsters forward and to teach them properly. Without the help of UEFA, this would not be possible for the FAI."

Tony Fitzgerald says that a key target for the FAI is constant progression. "There are various elements of football in Ireland," he reflected. "With the national team the first ambition is that we qualify for final rounds, because that is not only critical to the association, but gives the whole country a lift – everybody gets behind the team. I'd also love to see a very strong national league in Ireland."

The game in the Republic received a tremendous boost recently when Dublin was chosen as one of the venues to host three group stage matches and a round of 16 game at UEFA EURO 2020 – the "EURO for Europe". "It was a great day for the FAI and football in Ireland," said Mr Fitzgerald. "I'd like to praise John Delaney for his work in helping procure this for us."

With Irish fans having an extremely positive reputation when they go to matches abroad, UEFA EURO 2020 will give the country the chance to reciprocate the welcome their supporters have received across the world. "It's going to be a massive fillip for the country," said the FAI president. "Fans will come to Ireland and have a great time. This was massive for us and I'm still elated. It's a big challenge for the FAI but I've no doubt we'll be up to it because we have a track record." Ireland successfully staged the 2011 UEFA Europa League final between Portuguese rivals FC Porto and SC Braga at the Dublin Arena.

What wishes does Tony Fitzgerald hold for Irish football in the future? "One of my biggest dreams actually came true – I saw Ireland win the U18 tournament in Cyprus. I never thought I would ever see Ireland win a European competition, but I was there and experienced it. In the future, my one dream would be to see our Irish national team win a [EURO] or World Cup. If that came to fruition, I would die a very happy man."