A delegation from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, visited the FAI’s headquarters yesterday to discuss topics, including investment in Irish football.
The delegation, led by chair Deputy Niamh Smyth, met with Ireland Women’s manager Vera Pauw, FAI president Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill.
Also discussed were facilities, the current nationwide player pathway consultations, football for women and girls, diversity and inclusion and major event hosting.
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The meeting was described by one insider as “very productive and cordial.”
Joining Deputy Smyth were Independent Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick, Sinn Fein Deputy Chris Andrews and Fianna Fail Senators Shane Cassells and Malcolm Byrne.
The issue of investment, meanwhile, was raised at a political level once again last night by Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, in the wake of Ireland’s progress to the Under-17 European Championships quarter-finals.
“Brilliant stuff from the u17s,” he tweeted, after their 4-2 win over tournament hosts Hungary.
“18 of the 20 squad play for Irish clubs. Now in the last 8 in Europe.”
Then, in reference to the recent debate over the allocation of all betting tax, plus public funding, to the racing industry, he added: “Imagine if they were horses or greyhounds?”
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