Home Farm DCU celebrated their upcoming first season in the FAI National League, the new third tier of Irish football, at a launch event today when Irish legend Ronnie Whelan was appointed Global Ambassador, INTERSPORT Elverys were unveiled as new front of shirt sponsors and Paul Whelan was announced as the Home Farm DCU’s new Chief Football Officer.
The announcements were made at an event at the INTERSPORT Elverys store in the Swords Pavilions when manager Gavin Peers and Chief Executive Officer Nicola Brannigan were formally introduced to the media, following their recent appointments, ahead of the upcoming FAI National League season.
This is an exciting new development for one of Ireland’s historic clubs as it approaches its centenary in 2028.
The addition of the National League team will provide a pathway for players to elite football and through the partnership with DCU combines football development with educational opportunities.
Ronnie Whelan (pictured above), who followed in his father Ronnie Snr’s footsteps as a player at Home Farm before signing for Liverpool and enjoying a stellar career at Anfield, spoke of his pride at becoming the new club’s first Global Ambassador.
With Paul’s son Gavin involved as a shareholder and two of Gavin’s children also on the Home Farm books, the launch was very much a family affair for the Whelans.
“This is a historic day for Home Farm and DCU and I am delighted to be a part of what promises to be a wonderful partnership between two great institutions of Dublin life,” said Ronnie.
“Like the Mentons, Home Farm is synonymous with the Whelans and it is special for me to come back to the club in this new role and to work alongside my brother Paul and my nephew Gavin, amongst others, on this exciting project.”
Looking forward to his new role as Chief Football Officer with Home Farm DCU, former League of Ireland star Paul said: “I know how important it is for all concerned with this new partnership to bring football and education opportunities together for our best young players and I am really looking forward to working to that goal with our first team manager Gavin Peers.”
Home Farm DCU CEO Nicola Brannigan welcomed new shirt sponsors – “INTERSPORT Elverys and Umbro are two of the most recognised and respected brands in Irish sport, and we are incredibly proud to welcome them as partners of Home Farm DCU.
“Both organisations have a long-standing commitment to supporting sport at every level, from grassroots through to the elite game, and their investment in our club is a huge vote of confidence in what we are building.
As we prepare for our inaugural FAI National League season, we look forward to working closely with both partners and developing a successful, long-term relationship on and off the pitch.”
The Home Farm DCU Board brings together a wealth of business and football experience, with former League of Ireland and Home Farm players Brian Honan, Gavin Whelan and Jim McKeever joined by Chicago-based financial services Managing Director Eoin Callery.
Together, the four serve as directors and shareholders of the new entity, alongside representatives from both Home Farm and Dublin City University on the Board.
The Club believes that this operating structure is the ideal way to ensure success in the National League while maintaining the club’s focus on elite young player development.
The Board outlined its vision for the Home Farm DCU partnership at the launch, highlighting how the new venture builds on the foundations of Home Farm’s proud 98-year history and the dedication of generations of volunteers, players and former players who have helped shape the club.
Through its partnership with Dublin City University, Home Farm DCU will provide talented young players with the opportunity to pursue their football ambitions in tandem with their academic studies as they compete in the inaugural FAI National League.
This new model for Irish football is built on education, sport and community and offers third level educational opportunities, including scholarships for elite players at Dublin City University.
DCU Director of Sport James Galvin said: “DCU are delighted to partner with Home Farm FC in this exciting initiative.
“This new model will be built on education, sport and community and will offer structured third-level education opportunities and scholarships for elite players, ensuring they can pursue both their football and academic ambitions at DCU.
“Home Farm are our neighbours in the community, and a household name in Irish football, we look forward to working together to make this a reality for students and a successful partnership.”
Speaking at the launch, Home Farm chair Brendan Menton added: “Our new partnership with DCU is about so much more than football.
“What began as a conversation about working together as neighbours has now expanded into one of the finest football offerings available to young Irish players.
“We at Home Farm look forward to combining elite football development with top level academic opportunities at DCU.”