Drogheda United Co-Chair Joanna Byrne Asked to Resign Amid Governance Concerns

Drogheda United co-chairperson Joanna Byrne has been instructed to resign from her position and as a director of the League of Ireland club by owners Trivela Group. The move comes after a dispute stemming from Byrne’s public criticism of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) regarding its decision to fulfill UEFA Nations League fixtures with Israel.

Political Views Not the Primary Factor, Trivela Group States

Despite Byrne being a Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Trivela Group maintains the decision is not based on her political views. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the group stated the request for resignation followed Byrne’s public comments regarding private discussions with club ownership. “This not only caused a breakdown in the trust and confidence necessary for her to continue in the role as a director of the Club, but also sharpened the governance concerns that had been the topic of those original discussions,” the statement read Irish Post.

Byrne Refuses to Resign

Byrne has publicly stated she will not resign. Speaking on RTÉ, she described the situation as “deeply emotive” and “upsetting,” but “not surprising.” She reiterated that the request for her resignation originated in a February 16th meeting where her position as chairperson was deemed untenable following her comments on the Ireland-Israel match RTÉ.

“I am under no illusion that this is solely as a result of my comments in my capacity as Sinn Fein Spokesperson on sport that the Ireland v Israel match should not go ahead and I feel people will see it for what it is,” Byrne said. She indicated she is considering her options.

Internal Review on Politician Involvement

Trivela Group also announced it conducted an internal review regarding the practicality of having a serving politician as a director of one of its clubs – Drogheda United, Walsall, and Silkebord – concluding that such an arrangement is “not workable” and “should have been addressed previously” Irish Examiner.

Sponsor Support for Byrne

Drogheda United’s principal sponsor, Sullivan and Lambe, has publicly voiced its support for Byrne, stating it would “actively reviewing” its sponsorship position Irish Examiner.

Trivela Group’s full statement is available on the Drogheda United website.