The FAI has confirmed the appointments of Deirdre Ardagh as General Counsel and Governance Director and Michael Murray as Finance Director, with both set to join the Association’s Senior Leadership Team.
The two senior hires come as the FAI continues to strengthen its executive structures and governance framework, with a focus on compliance, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning.
Ardagh joins the FAI with an extensive background in legal, regulatory and corporate governance roles. An experienced legal and compliance executive, she has held senior in-house leadership positions within the IDA and Three, where she advised executive teams on governance architecture, regulatory compliance frameworks, policy engagement and enterprise risk management.
Most recently, she served in a senior capacity at Three Ireland as Data Protection Officer and Senior Regulatory Counsel. In that role, she represented the organisation in engagements with Government departments, regulators and industry bodies, while overseeing regulatory compliance programmes and managing complex regulatory matters. She also played a key role in shaping policy engagement and advising on strategic risk oversight.
Earlier in her career, Ardagh practised as both a barrister and a solicitor and was a Partner in a Corporate & Commercial practice. Her work included advising on governance structures, regulatory obligations, commercial transactions and data protection compliance.
In her new role with the FAI, Ardagh will lead the Association’s legal and governance functions. She will advise the Board and executive leadership on compliance, integrity and risk management, while supporting the continued strengthening of the FAI’s institutional framework and strategic development.
Murray brings significant experience in financial leadership, operational management and organisational transformation. He most recently served as Chief Operations Officer at Sport Ireland Campus, where he played a central role in supporting the strategic and operational development of the state-of-the-art sporting facility.
His background includes leading major organisational change programmes, implementing modern financial systems and controls, and working closely with senior leadership teams to deliver long-term strategic objectives, including at Littlewoods Ireland.
As Finance Director, Murray will take responsibility for strengthening the FAI’s financial governance structures, enhancing reporting and planning processes, and supporting the organisation’s continued development. He is expected to work collaboratively across departments to underpin growth in key areas of Irish football.
Welcoming the appointments, FAI Chief Executive David Courell said the additions would bolster the Association at an important juncture.
“We are delighted to strengthen our Senior Leadership Team by welcoming both Deirdre and Michael to the Association,” said Courell. “They are two highly-skilled individuals who will bring the type of experience and expertise that will help us continue our good work around governance and consolidate our financial footing in what is a key period for Irish football.”
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