QUIGLEY MAKES HIS STAND
March 1996
Leading Mayo football official Pat Quigley told last night how he was prepared to sacrifice his prospects of becoming president of the Football Association of Ireland in a selfless bid to resolve the growing crisis within the organisation.
The Castlebar-based administrator described as the most difficult decision in his life to serve his resignation on Monday as an executive council member of the authority."In light of certain matters which came into the public domain, and for the first time to my notice over the past week, it seemed clear I could no longer continue in my current position as senior vice-president of the FAI
"Because of the issues which have come to light, some members of the F.A.I. Council may consider that I have been guilty of conduction likely to discredit the association.
"I completely refute this allegation. My record speaks for itself."
Mr. Quigley said he was left with no option but to resign when Louis Kilcoyne and Joe Delaney, president and treasurer respectively of the F.A.I., refused his request for them to tender their resignations "in the interest of the F.A.I. and soccer in Ireland."
Speaking last night, Mr. Quigley said he had recieved tremendous support from throughout the country for his stand.
"I accept my decision could impair my chances of becoming elected president of the FAI, a position for which I have worked for many years.
"But the game is far more important than any personal aspirations I may have.
"Soccer in Ireland has always been and will continue to be my primary concern. The most important matters at this stage are for truth and clarity to emerge.
"It is essential that recommendations we receive from the Examiners be
adopted swiftly. We all must be prepared to underatek significnat changes,
some of which may be unpalatable. The games demands and deserves this.
Connaught Telegraph - News - Mar 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - Mar 1996
