Home Farm DCU Announces Ronnie Whelan as Global Ambassador
Home Farm DCU celebrated its upcoming first season in the new third tier of League of Ireland football at a launch event on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
During the launch, Irish football legend Ronnie Whelan was appointed Global Ambassador, INTERSPORT Elverys was unveiled as the new front-of-shirt sponsor, and Paul Whelan was announced as the club’s Chief Football Officer.
The announcements took place at the INTERSPORT Elverys store in the Swords Pavilions. 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.
A Family Tradition at Home Farm
Ronnie Whelan followed in the footsteps of his father, Ronnie Snr, as a player at Home Farm before signing for Liverpool and enjoying a distinguished career at Anfield. He expressed his pride at becoming the club’s first Global Ambassador.
With Paul’s son Gavin involved as a shareholder alongside entrepreneur Brian Honan, and two of Gavin’s children playing within the Home Farm system, the launch represented a significant milestone for the Whelan family.
Speaking at the event, Ronnie Whelan said:
"This is an 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."
"Like the Mentons, Home Farm is synonymous with the Whelans. It is special for me to return to the club in this new role and to work alongside my brother Paul and my nephew Gavin on this exciting project."
Uniting Football and Higher Education
DCU Director of Sport James Galvin highlighted the structural benefits of the collaboration:
"DCU is delighted to partner with Home Farm FC in this exciting initiative. This new model will be built on education, sport, and community. It 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 is our neighbour in the community and a household name in Irish football. We look forward to working together to make this a reality for students."
Outlining his vision as Chief Football Officer, Paul Whelan noted:
"I know how important it is for all concerned with this new partnership to bring football and educational opportunities together for the best young players. I am really looking forward to working towards that goal with our first-team manager, Gavin Peers, ahead of the new season."
Commercial and Community Alliances
Newly appointed CEO Nicola Brannigan welcomed new shirt sponsors INTERSPORT Elverys and kit suppliers Umbro:
"INTERSPORT Elverys and Umbro have long been great supporters of Irish football. I am delighted to be working with both brands again as we become part of the evolution of the League of Ireland via this new National League. I want to congratulate INTERSPORT Elverys on their recent All-Ireland football title win with Mayo and look forward to enjoying more success together at Home Farm DCU."
As principal Brian Honan explained, the amalgamation creates a formal pathway for talent development. The model offers structured third-level educational opportunities, including elite athlete scholarships at Dublin City University.
Concluding the launch, Home Farm DCU Chair Brendan Menton said:
"Our new partnership with DCU is about so much more than football. What began as a conversation about working together as neighbours has expanded into one of the finest football offerings available to young Irish players. We look forward to developing footballers and individuals in tandem with DCU."
