The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have ended a five-month search for a new chief executive by appointing Dublin businessman Fran Rooney on Tuesday.

Menton departure
The FAI have been looking for a new chief executive since Brendan Menton stepped down as genreal secretary in November, after an independent report made a number of recommendations concerning the FAI's organisational structure.

Rooney the man
They have now settled on Rooney as the new man to take charge. "It is an important time for the Association and I know that the qualities and experience which Fran brings to the FAI will be critical in meeting the challenges we face as an Association in the process of change," FAI president Milo Corcoran said.

June start date
Rooney, who will take up his appointment in June, is a chartered accountant with over 20 years business experience principally in the financial and information technology sectors. He is a former manager of Ireland's women's international team.