What started as a local rumour on the borders of Dublin and Wicklow has become a reality with the announcement this morning that Cabinteely FC and Bray Wanderers are to merge as a single club.
The newly amalgamated club will apply to compete in Division One of the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland and will operate out of the Carlisle Grounds in Bray as its primary venue.
A statement issued jointly by both clubs said that
“Today’s announcement signals the ambition for greater competitiveness in national league football, overall enhanced talent development, a comprehensively resourced academy of excellence and improved access to national and professional football for promising young players emerging through the junior national ranks and schoolboy/schoolgirl football.”
At a local level the merger will be the talk of the parish, as much for the junior game as the SSE Airtricity League level.
Cabinteely FC was founded as a League club in 2016 primarily to secure access for its thriving junior section to the underage leagues that were coming down the tracks and have since been implemented.
That gave it a major edge over its big local rival St Joseph’s who had always been a dominant force across the Dublin and Leinster youth leagues.
Joey’s choice at that time was to align with Bray Wanderers but that will now be up in the air and will be one of the biggest challenges for football in the area to iron out.
The Chairman of Cabinteely FC, Tony Richardson will become Chairman of the combined new club – with the current Chairman of Bray Wanderers, Niall O’Driscoll retiring from his role.
Cabinteely FC Director of Football, Pat Devlin, will take on the role of Director of Football at the merged club.
The joining together of the clubs has been achieved through the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Bray Wanderers FC Limited by Tony Richardson.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our two renowned clubs to establish a great good for football on a local, regional and national level,” said Richardson.
“It is also very much in line with FAI encouragement for clubs to seek ways of co-operating more closely together.”
“Both clubs have really brilliant people involved, and with an exceptionally proud heritage, where Bray Wanderers was established in 1922 and Cabinteely FC in 1967.”
“Both clubs have performed with distinction across all leagues throughout the years. Both are pillars within their communities, and both have fantastic supporters, members and players who have an enormous love of football. It is this love of football that will continue to inspire us all to drive the future success of this endeavour.”
“Now, with the coming together of both clubs, we will see a further strengthening of football for the generations to come and a commitment towards the continuing advancement of our combined club, and many partner clubs, for the football communities who we will continue to serve in the months, years, and decades ahead.”
The initial reaction from fans has been one of shock and surprise, mixed with a bit of anger but the acid test will likely be the naming of the club which has yet to be determined. Various fan polls on social media suggest a split between those who think it will make them stronger and others for whom it is the end. The main theme though is the name.
Sport for Business Perspective
Football clubs have a huge emotional hold over their fan bases. Outside investment is always welcome in terms of making more money available. But not from a group they would consider as their rivals. Naming will be a crucial element in how this is received and the ramifications for underage football will also be significnat.
“A powerful and influential network of information and collaboration”
Download our latest membership brochure here.
Sport for Business Partners
