McKendry elected IFA president after defeating Jardine in council vote
Colin McKendry has been elected president of the Irish Football Association, securing 24 votes to 16 against rival Neil Jardine at a council meeting following the association’s annual general meeting.
Colin McKendry has been elected as the new president of the Irish Football Association (IFA), succeeding Conrad Kirkwood who completed a five-year term in the role. The election was concluded at an IFA council meeting held after the association’s annual general meeting, where McKendry defeated rival candidate Neil Jardine by a margin of 24 votes to 16, with two spoilt votes recorded.
McKendry, a former chairman of Irish Premiership side Coleraine, brings significant administrative experience to the governing body. He concluded his 16-year tenure as chairman of the Bannsiders earlier in June. During his 14-year chairmanship at Coleraine, the club secured the Irish Cup in 2018 and the League Cup in 2020. McKendry has served on the IFA board since 2021 and previously held the position of vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Football League.
Jardine, the chair of the Fermanagh and Western League, was the runner-up in the presidential contest. Notably, Jardine had served as deputy president under outgoing president Kirkwood, while McKendry held the position of second deputy president. The leadership shuffle sees McKendry move from second deputy to the presidency, while Maurice Johnston, chairman of the Mid-Ulster FA, was elected as the new deputy president. David Morrow of the County Antrim FA was elected as second deputy president.
Upon his election, McKendry described the position as a "tremendous honour and privilege." He emphasised his long-standing commitment to the sport, stating, "Football has been a central part of my life for many years, and I am proud to have served the game in a variety of roles."
The new president outlined his immediate priorities, adding, "I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, clubs and stakeholders across Northern Ireland as we continue to grow and strengthen our game." The election marks a significant transition in the governance structure of the IFA, which serves as the governing body for football in Northern Ireland.
