Madden to step down

CLARE Soccer League chairman Jim Madden confirmed this week that he is to step down from the post of chairman at the upcoming annual general meeting of the league.
The Shannon-based Tipperary native has been chairman of the league for the past 10 years, while he has been involved in the executive of Clare soccer for almost 20 years.
He first got involved in Clare soccer with Newtown United in Shannon before joining the league as PRO. He filled both the role of chairman and PRO for many years before stepping down as the public relations officer last year.
“I have had a tremendous time as chairman of the league. I have made this decision as I want to spend more time with my family, including my grandchildren,” he told The Clare Champion this week.
During his time at the helm in Clare soccer, the Shannon-based businessman was happy to see many great developments in the game in the county.
“It’s great to see the development that has taken place and which is continuing around the county. Quite a number of clubs now have their own grounds and dressing rooms and these are all superb developments at Newmarket, Sixmilebridge, Tulla, Kilmihil and Kilrush (Moneypoint FC). There are superb facilities at Lees Road. More clubs have plans to develop and all of this is great for the game in the county,” he explained this week.
He said that the highlight of his time as chairman was the success of Clare in winning the Oscar Traynor title in 2005.
“It was a tremendous achievement for all involved to bring this prestigious title to Clare and it was great to be back in the final again this year,” he noted.
He spoke highly of the players and their commitment to the game and to playing for Clare.
He went on to say that the appointment of Michael Leahy as chairman of the Munster FA was another highlight. “He is the first Clareman to hold this post and it reflects well on our association,” he added.
The chairman also spoke of his and the league’s delight at having an excellent county grounds. “We have had many compliments with regard to the playing surface, which is nice and this reflects well on the ongoing work taking place there.”
One of the biggest occasions in the history of Clare soccer will come next summer when the league will host the annual general meeting of the FAI. “This is a week-long festival and it will be great for the clubs of the county to have officials from all sectors of the association, together with former and current international players, visiting the county,” he said.
For now, however, the focus is on the upcoming annual general meeting of the Clare League, which will take place on Monday, June 21 when the executive for the coming season will be put in place.