It was with sadness that the Irish Football Association learned of the passing of Maura Muldoon.
Maura was the first women’s football representative on the Irish FA Council, joining at the turn of the millennium, and later became part of the Irish FA’s first Executive Committee and then a member of the first Irish FA Board.
She was also former chairperson of Glentoran Women and the first woman to sit on the board at Glentoran FC. She also played for Belfast United as a goalkeeper.
Maura worked tirelessly as a human rights and equality advocate.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “Maura was a trailblazer and an inspiration to everyone who met her, particularly women and girls in football wanting to progress in the game here in Northern Ireland.
“I, on behalf of everyone at the Irish FA, express my deepest condolences to Maura’s family and friends at this time.”
Muldoon made a huge contribution to football at all levels in Northern Ireland with Glentoran chairman Stephen Henderson calling her a “pioneer” and someone “undaunted by glass ceilings or outdated perceptions”.
FIFA Vice President David Martin said: “I was privileged to have known Maura for over 20 years, taking wise counsel from her on many occasions.
“She had a great strategic mind and a passion for increasing the involvement of women and girls in football.
“Her successful exploits in her work life took her to senior boardroom positions across football in Northern Ireland and she will be sorely missed.”
