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Kirkwood takes the helm in Northern Ireland

Conrad Kirkwood has been elected as the new president of the Irish Football Association (IFA).

Conrad Kirkwood at Belfast's Windsor Park - the venue for the UEFA Super Cup match in August
Conrad Kirkwood at Belfast's Windsor Park - the venue for the UEFA Super Cup match in August IFA

The 53-year-old civil servant was elected to the position at a meeting of the Irish FA Council in Belfast on Wednesday.

“I am honoured to be elected,” Kirkwood said after the meeting. “The IFA has dedicated and experienced staff who support hard-working volunteers from a wide range of football backgrounds to improve the game here for everyone.”

“I am under no illusions that there will be challenges ahead,” he added, “but I am looking forward to supporting the association to deliver on its new strategy for football which will be published soon.”

Football experience

Kirkwood has held a number of roles in football, including a five-year stint as vice-chairman of the Irish FA board.

He expressed his determination to support the further technical development of Northern Ireland’s senior, development and grassroots teams, as well as reinforcing the association’s commitment to good governance.

“In the coming years,” he said, “we will look to build on the association’s good work by continuing to promote the game of football at all levels across Northern Ireland, and to govern the game with integrity when enforcing its rules and regulations.”