A former GAA President is calling for increased investment in Irish soccer, using the struggles experienced by Dundalk FC as a stark example of the challenges facing the sport.
Killarney-based MEP Seán Kelly has emphasised the need for a more professional structure within Ireland’s soccer leagues, particularly focusing on academy development.
“Dundalk FC’s situation is another wake-up call. Here is a club with a rich history, yet it found itself on the brink of collapse,” he said.
“This isn’t just about one club – it’s a reflection of the systemic unde-rinvestment in Irish soccer. It is sad to see a club that is deeply rooted in Irish soccer history currently struggling both on and off the field that threatens its future.”
Mr Kelly pointed to the broader trends in elite player development, emphasising the need for a sustainable academy structure in Ireland.
“The lack of full-time academy staff in Irish clubs is shocking. We’re one of only four countries in Europe with less than one full-time academy employee per club. This needs to change if we want to compete on the international stage,” he insisted.
“Our young players are not getting the same levels of quality coaching as their counterparts in Europe”, the Ireland South MEP stated,
He said clubs need to develop full-time academies to bridge the gap and there is a need to change the attitude to both the domestic league in the country as well as talent development.
As an intermediate step, Kelly suggests using funds from the EU’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
“Brexit has hit Irish football hard with young players no longer able to move to the UK at 16. There is still eligible funding in the BAR yet to be allocated that could be very important to the sport,” he said.
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