Newly-elected Bohemian President Matt Devaney has paid tribute to the efforts of his predecessor Chris Brien in securing the club’s medium-term future.
At last week’s 124th Annual General Meeting of Bohemian FC, Brien (pictured with President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins) stepped aside after two seasons at the helm, having previously served a two-year stint as finance director.
While much work, fundraising and goodwill is still required to safeguard the club in the long-term, Brien played an enormous part in ensuring that we have the breathing space needed to face those challenges together.
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The devastating effect Ireland’s property crash had on the club’s finances is well-documented and Devaney acknowledges that if it wasn’t for Brien’s determination to tackle spending, negotiate with creditors and rally troops when the future looked ominous, a 123-year-old institution could have been lost.
Devaney said: “As I mentioned at last week’s AGM, all members and fans owe a huge debt to Chris Brien for his selfless, thankless work over the past few years.
“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to state that without him, we wouldn’t have a club – or at least the club as we know it.
“He mightn’t always get the recognition he deserves but the sacrifices he made over the recent past to ensure the club survived have been incredible.
“They have not gone unnoticed by those of us who have worked closely with him during this time and I know it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the membership in general, who I hope are extremely appreciative of his efforts.
“He has epitomised the true meaning of a members-owned club and its volunteer ethos by listening to everyone’s opinion, rallying the fans when needed and at all times carrying himself with great dignity.
“I hope to carry on in much the same vein and while we still face great difficulties, the pathway has been cleared somewhat by Chris’ sterling work.”
