David Courell

David Courell

David Courell’s rise to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is marked by a career deeply rooted in both sports and business. Originally from Castlebar, County Mayo, Courell began his professional journey in the UK as a management consultant with Deloitte. However, it was his passion for sports and leadership that led him to pivot toward the sports industry, where he made a name for himself by working in senior roles across Olympic and Paralympic sports. His experience in these arenas, combined with his strategic insight, eventually brought him to the English Football Association (FA), where he further honed his expertise.

Courell returned to Ireland in 2022, assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at the FAI. In this capacity, he quickly became a key player within the organization, managing daily operations and driving forward key strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing Irish football. His ability to foster positive relationships with stakeholders, both within the football community and the broader political landscape, demonstrated his strong leadership and commitment to progress. In April 2024, he stepped in as interim CEO, a role in which his leadership was widely lauded, leading to his official appointment as CEO in October 2024 after a rigorous recruitment process.

As CEO, David Courell is widely seen as a visionary leader, dedicated to ensuring the future growth and success of football in Ireland. His focus on building sustainable structures for the sport, coupled with his collaborative leadership style, has already begun to strengthen the FAI’s relationships with key partners and stakeholders. Courell’s appointment has reinvigorated hopes for Irish football’s development, with many optimistic that under his guidance, the FAI will unlock the full potential of the sport in Ireland

Republic of Ireland International Football

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents the Republic of Ireland in men’s international football. It is governed by the Football Association of Ireland. The team made their debut at the 1924 Summer Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals. Between 1924 and 1936, the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950, it was referred to by the FAI as Éire or Ireland.