BERNARD O'BYRNE, a former president of the Leinster Football Association, is to be the new chief executive of the FAI.

The appointment was announced last evening after what a spokesman for the association described as an exhaustive screening process for a post which has been vacant since the resignation of Sean Connolly in January.

Confirming the decision, the FAI president, Pat Quigley said: "We have interviewed several candidates of the highest calibre over the last few weeks. We are delighted with our choice and are fully confident that Bernard can do an excellent job."

O'Byrne, who will terminate his post as money market manager with Cement Roadstone Holdings within the next month, is a 42-year-old Dubliner with an exemplary record in the game.

He founded the junior club, Belgard Athletic in 1973 and was actively involved with the AUL before being elected president of the LFA two years ago, Then, in quick succession he was appointed president of the FAI Junior Council, a member of the Senior Council, before being promoted as honorary treasurer of both the FAI and National League this year.

Perceived as one of the association's high fliers, he won a lot of praise in his role as the FAI's chief security officer during the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States.

After his appointment had been confirmed at a meeting of the Senior Council, he said "I'm delighted with the news. It is a privilege to be offered thee highest job in administration of Irish footballs."