A former President of the GAA has called for greater investment in League of Ireland soccer, citing its remarkable growth and potential.
Killarney-based Seán Kelly said as someone who has a deep-rooted love for all sports, he has witnessed first-hand the remarkable growth in soccer and from attending Kerry FC matches in Tralee, he has seen the league improve enormously.
“It’s clear that football in Ireland is at a crossroads,” the Ireland South MEP stated.
“In 2023 alone, over 935,000 fans attended matches, with attendances in the Premier Division soaring by an impressive 22.4%.”
Acknowledging the league’s achievements amidst limited marketing support and organisational challenges within the FAI, Mr Kelly stressed the urgent need for investment in facilities.
“Our stadiums, while filled with fervour, are struggling to accommodate the growing demand. The league has thrived despite little marketing support and, frankly, dysfunction within the FAI,” he remarked.
“It’s imperative that we invest in enhancing and relocating club’s grounds to sustain the momentum they have worked so hard to build,” the MEP pointed out.
“The rise in popularity of the League of Ireland is a positive development but it also underscores the urgency of addressing our infrastructure shortcomings,” he said.
Mr Kelly observed, however, that while the appetite for the sport is apparent, all too often sports fan look across the Irish Sea to follow clubs when there is a wealth of talent on their doorsteps.
“Too often we look at it as competition between sports in Ireland but I do not look at it this way at all. It’s about increasing competition within sports, not between them. This is what people want, and frankly, deserve,” said the MEP who, as GAA President, paved the way for Croke Park to be opened up to soccer and rugby games.
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