O’Shea will retain her role in legal affairs while taking on additional duties as deputy to John Delaney.

Commenting on the appointment yesterday, Delaney said: “As the governance and administrative needs of the game change, the FAI continues to adapt its structures and Sarah’s appointment is part of that process. Sarah brings her considerable skillsets to the role as deputy CEO, and her appointment will enhance the management structure as the association continues to develop all strands of the game.”

Responding to her appointment, O’Shea said: “We are embarking on another important phase for Irish football and I am keen to play a valuable role, particularly in the administrative and organisational aspects of the association as deputy to the CEO.”

O’Shea is a qualified solicitor and a graduate of the Fifa Masters programme (2006). She joined the association in 2006 and currently holds responsibility for all legal and disciplinary matters, governance issues, contracts, child welfare and football regulations. She was appointed company secretary in September 2010.