FAI names Deirdre Ardagh as general counsel
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has appointed Deirdre Ardagh as general counsel and governance director.
The association describes Ardagh, who has practised as a solicitor and a barrister, as “an accomplished legal and compliance executive with extensive experience in corporate governance, regulatory strategy, public law, and enterprise risk management”.
She joins the FAI after senior in-house leadership roles within the telecommunications sector, where she advised on governance architecture, regulatory-compliance frameworks, policy engagement, and strategic risk oversight.
Legal and governance functions
In her previous role in Three Ireland, Ardagh served as data-protection officer and senior regulatory counsel, representing the organisation in engagements with Government departments, regulators, and industry bodies.
In her new role, Ardagh will lead the FAI’s legal and governance functions, advising the board and executive leadership on compliance, integrity, and risk.
The FAI says that the appointment will also support “the continued strengthening of the association’s institutional framework and long-term strategic development”.
The football governing body has also appointed Michael Murray as finance director.