EMBATTLED FAI official John Delaney was promised the mother of all welcomes in Kerry this Saturday – but it looks like he won’t be there to enjoy the red carpet treatment.
The FAI has confirmed that its former chief executive – who is currently on “gardening leave” – will not be part of an official delegation to attend the opening of the Georgie O’Callaghan Park, named in honour of the founder of Castleisland AFC who passed away last year.
Whether Mr Delaney will be there in a personal capacity is not known but he was a very good friend of the late Georgie O’Callaghan.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae – who is a big fan of Delaney’s – sparked a storm of controversy at a Oireachtas Joint Committee hearing into the financial dealings of the FAI when he promised the outgoing CEO a great welcome to Kerry.
“You will be most welcome to Kerry and you will get what I would call the mother of all welcomes,” Deputy Healy-Rae told a beaming Mr Delaney.
“Your reputation and your respectability will proceed you down the road before you land and we will be there to welcome you,” he added.
Kerry Senator Mark Daly also praised Mr Delaney’s work on anti-racism and integration initiatives and he remarked: “As am ambassador for Ireland and for Irish sports he has done an amazing job”.
Mr Delaney was among a number FAI officials being quizzed on the organisation’s governance in the wake of a €100,000 loan he extended to the Association in 2017.
A series of events will be held this Saturday in Castleisland to mark the opening and naming of the new astro turf pitch on the grounds of the local community college.
The festivities will include a 3 o’clock kick-off game between Castleisland AFC and anIrish legends selection including Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton, Kevin Sheedy, Mark Kinsella and Ronnie Whelan.
A dinner will be held in the River Island Hotel on Saturday night and it will include a questions and answers session with the professionals with RTÉ commentator George Hamilton the master of ceremonies.
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