*Richard Cahill. Photograph: John Mangan
AHEAD OF THE start of the Clare District Soccer League Premier Division, the County Committee has been left shocked with the sudden resignation of two members.
The Clare Echo has learned that secretary Richard Cahill and committee member Jimmy O’Brien have resigned from their posts with immediate effect.
Work on upgrading the CDSL’s website drew sharp criticism from clubs and certain quarters which is understood to have been a reason behind the exit of O’Brien. As per the newly designed website, Shannon based O’Brien is listed as an IT and web officer for the CDSL, a title which he did not assume at the AGM in July.
In the case of Cahill, it is likely the feedback from clubs following criticism aimed at clubs in his correspondence regarding the Last Man Standing competition has influenced his departure.
PRO of the CDSL, Denis Collins told The Clare Echo on Wednesday afternoon, “The CDSL committee are disappointed and taken by surprise by the decision of Richard and Jimmy. We thank them for their time and work done with the League and wish them all the best. The committee have a meeting tomorrow evening where we will discuss this further”.
Cahill joined the CDSL Executive at the 2023 AGM as Grants and Compliance Officer and at this season’s AGM was elected Secretary. A former manager of Fern Celtic, he contested the 2014 European election and 2016 General Election. O’Brien has been on the CDSL committee since 2023 and outside of this has attempted to bring about walking soccer in the town for older persons.