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 Kirkwood, 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."