Conrad Kirkwood says he’ll continue leading from the front and sticking his head above the parapet after being re-elected as president of the Irish Football Association.
The 54-year-old County Down native, who replaced David Martin as president last summer, defeated Linfield trustee Jack Grundie 27-15 in a vote on Monday night.
Neil Jardine was re-elected deputy first president and Colin McKendry was returned as deputy second president during the meeting at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.
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Afterwards Kirkwood said he was “absolutely delighted” that a majority of council members had placed their faith in his presidency and backed him to “do more good work”.
He also vowed to continue reaching out to the wider football family in Northern Ireland and being a “visible and transparent” figurehead for the association.
“My first year has been full of highlights,” he said.
“From being part of hosting the UEFA Super Cup to spending time with our powerchair team and travelling to different parts of Northern Ireland to see the excellent work taking place in our footballing communities across the country.
“We sometimes get accused of being Belfast centric so it has been really useful to get out and speak to people on their own ‘patch’.
“I’ve also taken the opportunity to talk to traveling Northern Ireland fans, particularly as they have come back in numbers after Covid.
“It has been good to hear what our fans get out of coming to the games and perhaps what could be done better.
“It is only by taking the time and sitting down with people, that you understand this.
“I said last year that I wanted to be visible and transparent.
“I feel I have done this and have tried to use social media too to show people the different aspects of the role, not to mention the variety of work the Irish FA does and the dedicated staff force in place to make it all happen.”
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