McKendry elected as president of Irish FA

Colin McKendry has been elected as the new president of the Irish Football Association.

>McKendry came out on top against Neil Jardine, who is chair of the the Fermanagh and Western League, by 24 votes to 16, while there were two spoilt votes.

>The vote took place at an Irish FA council meeting after the IFA's AGM.

>A former chairman of Irish Premiership side Coleraine, McKendry ended his 16-year tenure on the board of the Bannsiders earlier in June.

>In his 14 years as chair, Coleraine won the Irish Cup in 2018 and League Cup in 2020.

>He has been an Irish FA board member since 2021 and has also served as vice-chair of the Northern Ireland Football League.

>McKendry replaces outgoing president Conrad Kirkrood, who spent the last five years in the position.

>Jardine was Kirkwood's deputy president, while McKendry was second deputy.

>Mid-Ulster FA chairman Maurice Johnston was elected as McKendry's deputy president, while County Antrim FA's David Morrow won the battle to become second deputy.

>McKendry said it was a "tremendous honour and privilege" to be elected as president.

>"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," he said.

>"I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, clubs and stakeholders across Northern Ireland as we continue to grow and strengthen our game."