Trivela Group can confirm that it has, pursuant to its authority under her service agreement with Drogheda Utd FC Limited, provided written instruction requiring Joanna Byrne to resign from her position as director and co-chair.
“We thank Ms Byrne for her service to Drogheda United and for the time and effort she devoted to the Club during her tenure as a director and co-chair.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this decision was not taken in any way on the basis of Ms Byrne’s political views or beliefs, which she has expressed freely and in a public manner for the duration of her directorship. Rather, this decision followed a statement made 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. Furthermore, these matters have triggered an internal review at Trivela regarding the practicality of having an individual with political obligations simultaneously serve as a director of a football club. That review concluded that this is not a workable arrangement and should have been addressed previously.
“Once again, we honor Ms Byrne’s service to the club over the years and thank her for her longstanding and ongoing commitment to its success. We hope to move forward from this matter, jointly unwavering in our support for the football club and the broader Drogheda community.
“An interim director will be appointed in due course. No further comment will be made at this time.”
