*Jason Ryan. Photograph: Martin Connolly

Kilrush’s Jason Ryan is among the names in the running to succeed Oliver Fitzpatrick as Chairperson of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL).

Monday October 12th has been set as the date for the highly anticipated AGM of the CDSL. In the middle of September, outgoing Chairperson Oliver Fitzpatrick and secretary Michael Lydon resigned from their respective positions with immediate effect.

In correspondence issued to clubs to inform them of their departure, both men detailed that relations within the CDSL Committee were turning sour. “Life is too short,” Oliver said in reference to fellow officers criticising his performance as Chairperson while Lydon admitted, “The enjoyment of soccer for me now is zero mostly due to off field going ons”.

The Clare Echo has learned that CDSL registrar Jason Ryan has thrown his name into the ring for the vacant position of Chairperson. Further potential candidates have yet to emerge in the race to replace Fitzpatrick who had been in the role since 2015. The Kilrush Rangers clubman had expressed concern with resuming the leagues during COVID-19 and subsequently clashed with other officials on the matter.

Ronnie Pyne is tipped to remain as Vice Chairperson. The former CSSL Chairperson had previously tabled a motion to the CDSL AGM calling for the establishment of a committee to handle the master fixtures plan, it is anticipated that a similar proposal will be submitted to entice individuals to go forward to succeed Lydon.

CDSL officials had previously announced that the new season would kick off on the weekend of October 10th/11th. This will now be delayed until October 18th at the earliest as a new campaign cannot commence until the AGM has been held.