Irish Football Official Who Grabbed Microphone is Ex-Journalist

Gareth Maher, the head of communications for the Irish national football team, has been identified as the individual who forcibly took a microphone from a journalist during a press conference ahead of a Nations League match against Israel. Maher, who previously worked as a journalist for publications like Sportsnet and the Sunday Tribune, is now involved in developing strategic goals for Irish football. His past roles include media responsibility for various Irish national teams, including the women's U19 and U17 teams, the men's U17 and U19 teams, the senior men's team at Euro 2016, and the women's team at the 2023 World Cup.

Maher's name has also surfaced in connection with the "Girls In Green" controversy, a scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation by male coaches against former female players in the 1990s. While Maher is reportedly not directly involved in the incidents, his name appeared in emails concerning how the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) handled information about these claims prior to a 2024 media exposé. The FAI initially claimed ignorance of the allegations until 2024, but subsequent reporting revealed emails suggesting FAI officials were aware of the claims as early as May 2023.

One email thread, reportedly involving Maher, discussed drafting a media response to the potential story. PR Manager Cathal Dervan drafted a possible response, which Aoife Rafferty approved, stating it would "completely keep us safe." Member of Parliament Pádraig Ó Sullivan noted Maher's involvement in the email chain and criticized his failure to appear at a parliamentary hearing on the matter, arguing Maher, who launched the FAI's player protection campaign in 2024, had valuable input to offer. FAI CEO stated that while Maher was requested to attend, he does not hold an official role in player protection, and the representatives who did attend were the appropriate witnesses.