*Martin O’Brien. Photograph: John Mangan
LESS THAN A MONTH after being elected as Fixtures Secretary of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), Martin O’Brien has resigned from the role.
Optimism had been in the air following O’Brien’s election at the AGM held on July 20th but the mood has taken a turn after the retired referee stepped down in the aftermath of last week’s delegate meeting.
The Clare Echo understands that the decision to begin the CDSL season with the League Cup was not discussed with the now former Fixtures Secretary before it was put to the floor at last Tuesday’s meeting.
Since his election, Martin had devised an entire fixtures masterplan which had been greatly impacted as a result of the decision to proceed with the League Cup.
Delegates voted by a big majority (21 to 4) in favour of having the League Cup competition before the Premier Division kicks off.
Raising the issue league secretary Denis Collins told the meeting that six clubs had contacted him suggesting that this happen. Opposition to the change came from Avenue United and Newmarket Celtic, the league’s two leading sides in recent seasons.
Current players and former CDSL officials are among those who have expressed disappointment at the exit of the respected O’Brien from the CDSL. His friendship with referees in the county and his lack of ties to all clubs had been seen as a strength that would add a fairness to the demanding role of Fixtures Secretary.
O’Brien declined to comment on his exit when contacted by The Clare Echo.
Newly elected PRO, Dean Russell will serve as Acting Fixtures Secretary until a successor is appointed. The Shannon man is to contact clubs appealing to them to be patient and that he will not be responding to queries after 8pm at night. Russell is hopeful of commencing the League on September 3rd and wants to Youths League for the upcoming season to be monitored closely to give clubs regular games. The Acting Fixtures Secretary can be contacted via email on deanruss98@gmail.com.
