Joanna Byrne, the co-chairperson of Drogheda United, has reiterated her refusal to resign after receiving a formal request from the club's owners, Trivela Group. The United States-based investment firm issued the instruction following comments Byrne made regarding the conflict in Gaza and Israel. According to the Independent, the owners stated her remarks did not align with the club's non-political stance.
Byrne confirmed she received the letter on 17 March 2026. She stated her intention to remain in her post, which she has held since 2022. The dispute follows Byrne's public support for a boycott of Israeli goods, per the Irish Examiner. Trivela Group acquired a majority stake in the League of Ireland Premier Division side in 2023.
The owners previously warned that political statements could jeopardise the club's commercial interests and community relations. Byrne maintains that her views are personal and do not represent the official position of the board. The club currently occupies ninth place in the league table, according to the FAI.
