Club Ownership thread

[2 Year Contract]

Thought I’d start a new thread for this given we’re now seeing multiple changes in club ownership every season at this point.

Bray statement on their new owners:

https://www.braywanderersfc.ie/news/club-statement-bray-wanderers-fc-announce-sale-to-consortium/


Bray Wanderers FC are pleased to announce the sale of the club to a consortium led by Malachy Burke, JB Gough, and David Goldstein. The transaction marks a new chapter for the club as it looks to strengthen its on-field performance, deepen community engagement, and invest in long term growth. “We are honoured to take on the responsibility of leading Bray Wanderers into its next chapter,” said Malachy Burke. “This club holds a special place in the hearts of its management, staff, volunteers, players and supporters, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that it remains a source of pride for the community.”
The outgoing ownership group expressed confidence in Bray’s new leadership and their vision for the club’s future. “We are delighted to pass the torch to Malachy, JB and David, whose ambition for the club aligns perfectly with the vision we have strived to create over the last several years,” said Tony Richardson. “We believe the club is in excellent hands.”
Under Richardson’s stewardship, Bray made notable strides in upgrading facilities, enhancing the matchday experience, and elevating on-pitch performance. Malachy Burke emphasized that the new ownership group is committed to building on this momentum and is thrilled that Tony will continue to be involved going forward as a partner.
Over time, the club’s willingness to field young talented players has been at the core of its mission with many success stories in recent years. This commitment to youth has been further highlighted this year with numerous young players making an impact for the club and playing pivotal roles.
Bray Wanderers Football Club has always been a place to witness the future - and that future has never looked brighter.


Meanwhile Shels have changed the ownership structure yesterday too

https://shelbournefc.ie/shelbourne-football-club-is-delighted-to-confirm-a-significant-investment/


Shelbourne Football Club is delighted to confirm a significant investment from existing shareholders Mickey O’Rourke, Cathal Doyle and Neil Doyle.Completed before last week’s triumph in Windsor Park, this investment signals continued financial commitment to the club’s on and off field progress and is part of an overall three year funding plan.
Tomas Quinn CEO added “Our shareholders continue to demonstrate their commitment to developing the foundations of long term and sustained success. This investment will allow us to continue our focus on developing facilities both at our training ground and at Tolka Park alongside the elevation of our football departments both at Academy and Senior Levels. We will also continue to develop our commercial and core business operations backed by this significant investment. I’m excited to continue our work together at this exciting time for the club”
Technical Director Luke Byrne also comment “I’m delighted to see this continued investment into the club, and it highlights the passion our shareholders have for seeing the club develop and elevate both on and off the pitch. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as we continue to build on our success to date.”

A better breakdown of what it actually means for them is in Dan McDonnell’s article below but to summarise, Mickey O'Rourke who owned 60% of the club is putting in 750k and has lowered the % he owns to 49%, while Neil and Cathal Doyle who owned 20% of the club now own 41% of it and are putting in 2.25m. The remaining 10% is owned by a small group of Irish investors and ex directors etc

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/financial-boost-for-shelbourne-as-champions-receive-3million-investment/a1961199193.html

[ger121]

Had heard nothing about the Bray one till this morning. Seems it kind of went under the radar. I have no idea what this means for the club. Is it viewed as a positive by Bray fans?

[sbgawa]

if it means they arent associated with cabo anymore they will be happy

[wonder88]

Any information on these 3 people ? Very difficult for owners to make a profit/return on investment in the league of Ireland, so it is always interesting to see what motivates people to put their money in, if there is no local connection.

[culloty82]

The Journal reported recently that Ciara McCormick has stepped down as Treaty United CEO, but one hopes (and assumes) that the Canadians remain committed?

[Shearer]

The Journal reported recently that Ciara McCormick has stepped down as Treaty United CEO, but one hopes (and assumes) that the Canadians remain committed?
Canadians are committed.

McCormack leaving is the best news supporters have had since they got a senior men's license in 2021.

[2 Year Contract]

Canadians are committed.

McCormack leaving is the best news supporters have had since they got a senior men's license in 2021.

Doesn’t sound promising for Dundalk so!

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/outgoing-treaty-united-ceo-ciara-mccormack-in-talks-over-potential-investment-in-dundalk-fc/a586557587.html# (https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/outgoing-treaty-united-ceo-ciara-mccormack-in-talks-over-potential-investment-in-dundalk-fc/a586557587.html#)

[culloty82]

Probably as useful to add club financial returns here too, rather than starting a separate thread - Harps record a €100k deficit in 2024, €700k overall:

https://www.donegallive.ie/news/soccer/1966733/finn-harps-post-100k-deficit-in-latest-accounts-as-losses-deepened-in-2024.html

[Roones26]

“ Harps have also had a challenging 2025 on the abacus, including a FIFA-ordered payment of €90,000 and a significant shortfall from a new membership scheme, which got only 1,700 sign-ups from a targeted 5,000 - leaving a hole of €83,000.”

This is the killer bit

[Shinkicker]

“ Harps have also had a challenging 2025 on the abacus, including a FIFA-ordered payment of €90,000 and a significant shortfall from a new membership scheme, which got only 1,700 sign-ups from a targeted 5,000 - leaving a hole of €83,000.”

This is the killer bit
This is a difficult one. Take Bohs for example, fan owned, AFAIK a demand for membership (i can be corrected) very limited season ticket sales with a huge following who would love to see the play each week (again I can be corrected) and just about make ends meet. Harps don't have anything like this and still survive. It's a credit to you as to how you have so far.

[oriel]

Doesn’t sound promising for Dundalk so!

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/outgoing-treaty-united-ceo-ciara-mccormack-in-talks-over-potential-investment-in-dundalk-fc/a586557587.html# (https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/outgoing-treaty-united-ceo-ciara-mccormack-in-talks-over-potential-investment-in-dundalk-fc/a586557587.html#)

Nothing has been mentioned or confirmed in weeks about this by Dundalk. I`m not saying it won't happen, just it seems to have gone a bit cold.

That said not sure I know much about the woman, seems clear TU fans not too sad to see her leave, other than that, no idea.

[Zico]

This is a difficult one. Take Bohs for example, fan owned, AFAIK a demand for membership (i can be corrected) very limited season ticket sales with a huge following who would love to see the play each week (again I can be corrected) and just about make ends meet. Harps don't have anything like this and still survive. It's a credit to you as to how you have so far.

I’m surprised the club can generate over €900k in revenues with average attendances at around 1,100. Is fundraising or memberships a big part of this, gate receipts / match day revenues can’t be more than €13k a game (€240k a year max!!, season tickets only €45k).. over €1m a year expenditure for 8th place, first division clubs will collapse quickly if this is what it takes!!

[culloty82]

Pretty much your standard PR release here from Kerry, but given GAA County Boards don't hesitate to tap up diaspora business connections, will always be useful for soccer counterparts to follow suit:

https://kerryfc.com/kerry-fc-announce-back-of-jersey-sponsorship-with-new-york-city-based-dualcore-construction-management/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOs_QBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9p ZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4KHYx5AR1DLpolrhUe9mCjAN WfnCaaatLqykbeSl5EktnO6peIZbtPMQY5Kw_aem_hwhXNG4UA VlWc0uMSuQatg

[nigel-harps1954]

I’m surprised the club can generate over €900k in revenues with average attendances at around 1,100. Is fundraising or memberships a big part of this, gate receipts / match day revenues can’t be more than €13k a game (€240k a year max!!, season tickets only €45k).. over €1m a year expenditure for 8th place, first division clubs will collapse quickly if this is what it takes!!

€75k in merchandise in 2024, €100k in sponsorship, €44k in season tickets, €73k from the 500 Club all go a long way towards it.

Worst part is, players only account for a fifth of the outgoings. 200k on wages for the entire squad for the year.

[Roones26]

€75k in merchandise in 2024, €100k in sponsorship, €44k in season tickets, €73k from the 500 Club all go a long way towards it.

Worst part is, players only account for a fifth of the outgoings. 200k on wages for the entire squad for the year.

It’s just what it costs to run the sheer volume of teams most LOI clubs have now. Any idea on the number Harps are up to now ?

[Zico]

€75k in merchandise in 2024, €100k in sponsorship, €44k in season tickets, €73k from the 500 Club all go a long way towards it.

Worst part is, players only account for a fifth of the outgoings. 200k on wages for the entire squad for the year.

It definitely helps and goes a long way, but along with gate money this is still only around €500 - €550k, where does the other €400k come from to get to the €930k (which in its own right is pretty decent for first division clubs - would think this would be top 3 or 4 in revenues across division excluding benefactor payments etc.). Fully agree - the cost of running a full club now (excl salaries) is incredible, in the range of €600k a year on just running costs..

[culloty82]

John Wall talking about conducting a feasibility study for a new Kerry stadium:

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/sport/soccer/chairman-john-wall-raises-possibility-of-new-stadium-for-kerry-fc/a811778534.html

I'd have thought getting more full houses at Mounthawk would be the priority, but presumably he'd literally be putting his money where his mouth is.

[Zico]

“Build it and they will come”

Mounthawk park is a junior ground designed for a few hundred spectators really. At the start when full houses were there, unless you were in early it was a struggle to see the game. I know that is off putting for a lot of people, never mind most of terracing been uncovered in a very wet part of the world. 1/3 of the field doesn’t have spectators either which takes from the atmosphere.

A better pitch, stadia facilities and match day experience will bring more people (as well as performances). I’m glad the club recognizes this and are carrying out feasibility studies for the future.

[listowelceltic]

Would love to see Kerry develop their own ground. Getting suitable land and within walking distance of Tralee town centre won't be easy or cheap though.
I'd imagine even a 3 or 4 thousand seater stadium in the current climate would be a serious wedge. Grants would help and also how deep are John Walls pockets.
As Zico said great the club are having the discussion.

[legendz]

The comments on stadium plans are very speculative. MH Park offers a grounded experience! If some are too precious for that, away with them.
For any work on MH Park, extending the stand the full length of the park should be one option. Visiting numbers are low for away supporters to be a high consideration. At best a stand on the east side would have away support stuck in a corner. Would probably have to purchase a bit of land on the west side for any future work there.

[listowelceltic]

Speculative? It's coming from the owner.

I personally have no problem with MH Park but if the club want to grow its going to be very hard doing it there. Numerous issues like entrance exit and little room for expansion due to ground layout. Then you have the damn plastic pitch which the club can't get rid of due to amount of teams using it.
It's a fine junior ground don't get me wrong.

[legendz]

Speculation by the owner! He's not offering any commitment other than saying they'll probably have to do a feasibility study at some point soon.

[Buckett]

Yer spending a lot of money on full-time players, presumably with the ambition of getting promoted. Would MH Park get a Premier licence? The away section is inadequate for the crowds that you would expect in the Premier.

[legendz]

Kerry just have to spend to be in the hunt for the top 5. All about the chase.

[culloty82]

Agree with Legendz here, not necessarily about promotion, but if the aim is to establish the club in the First Division's top 5, then with the best will in the world you won't achieve that with local players alone, so you have to compete with the Cobhs and Brays for players.

[listowelceltic]

The ultimate aim is promotion. Or what's the point. Your then back to the problem of the ground not being up to premier division standard. Which was the start of the discussion.

[Buckett]

The FAI seem to keeping to the standards that they have set, in terms of the National League anyway. So maybe Premier and First Division licenses will be harder to achieve. It would be so deflating to achieve promotion on the pitch but to then fail to get a licence to compete.

[Shearer]

Yer spending a lot of money on full-time players, presumably with the ambition of getting promoted. Would MH Park get a Premier licence? The away section is inadequate for the crowds that you would expect in the Premier.
You're not the first person to say this, it's very cart before horse.

The budget I've heard that Kerry have is substantial enough for them to need to be in the title picture to justify it. Therefore promotion has to be on the mind, and planning a home for 2027 as a result.

[Zico]

You're not the first person to say this, it's very cart before horse.

The budget I've heard that Kerry have is substantial enough for them to need to be in the title picture to justify it. Therefore promotion has to be on the mind, and planning a home for 2027 as a result.

I hope your right, will need to sign at least another half dozen players with some element of premier division experience if that’s the case, as the squad currently stands - 75% of last years squad that finished 9th..

[EatYerGreens]

John Wall talking about conducting a feasibility study for a new Kerry stadium:

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/sport/soccer/chairman-john-wall-raises-possibility-of-new-stadium-for-kerry-fc/a811778534.html

I'd have thought getting more full houses at Mounthawk would be the priority, but presumably he'd literally be putting his money where his mouth is.

The opening line of that article literally makes clear that he's talking about in the future, and if the club outgrows Mounthawk Park.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a proactive owner looking into future needs and options.

[EatYerGreens]

Speculation by the owner! He's not offering any commitment other than saying they'll probably have to do a feasibility study at some point soon.

This is such a weird point.

He's obviously not going to give any commitments at this stage ahead of the needs and options being explored. Which is clearly what he's now doing.

[Zico]

This is such a weird point.

He's obviously not going to give any commitments at this stage ahead of the needs and options being explored. Which is clearly what he's now doing.

He may also be putting a bit of pressure on the KDL to play their part in improving MHP. All the recent developments there have been paid by KFC - circa €250k initially and then another circa €450k for astro relay which included €350k grant under Kerry FCs name. Not sure if it was similar with other grounds owned by district leagues when improvements were made to Turners Cross or EDP in the case of Galway united??

[nigel-harps1954]

If Kerry have more lofty ambitions then a move away from MH Park is pretty essential really. Its a total bottleneck of a ground to get in and out of and there's not a lot of development potential there.

Good they're having the discussion though.

[Shearer]

I hope your right, will need to sign at least another half dozen players with some element of premier division experience if that’s the case, as the squad currently stands - 75% of last years squad that finished 9th..
Players are better than their position in recent years, I feel.

They've had four managers in three years, James Sugrue was the only one that got a tune out of them before Healy came in.

[legendz]

Kerry are down 8 players from last year, including Teahan to Dundalk. 5 new signings so far.
There were noises from Treaty Limerick last year as well, looking over their shoulders at Kerry signings and the financial investment available for long-term security.
Kerry have it all the prove that they can find the consistency to out run Treaty Limerick, Wexford, Finn Harps or a strong finishing Longford for a playoff spot. There is financial investment in Kerry but that's for LONG-TERM security.