New Chairman appointed at London Irish

London Irish announced today (5th November) that Frank McCartney has been appointed Chairman of the Board of London Irish Holdings plc in succession to David FitzGerald who has had to stand down for personal reasons.

Mr McCartney, who takes up his position with immediate effect, is an experienced international businessman with a long standing interest and involvement in rugby and in London Irish in particular.  Prior to his retirement from full-time business, Frank was Managing Director and Chairman of the Sports Division of Compass Group.  Before that he was Founder and Managing Partner of FMC - a sports hospitality and catering company.

Announcing the appointment, Mick Crossan, President of London Irish, said, "I am delighted that Frank McCartney has accepted our invitation to become Chairman of London Irish.  Frank shares our passion for the Club and brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality, food and beverage industries that will be invaluable to the Board at this exciting period in the Club's development."

Commenting on his appointment, Frank McCartney said, "It is a great honour for me to be appointed Chairman of the Club I have supported for four decades.  These are exciting times for Rugby and London Irish is well placed to capitalise on opportunities such as our ground-breaking Aviva Premiership match in New York next March."