The board of aid agency Goal paid tribute to founder John O’Shea on his retirement yesterday.
Chairman Pat O’Mahony said Mr O’Shea was “rightly renowned for his work in delivering assistance to those in dire need”.
A former sports journalist, Mr O’Shea (68) founded Goal in 1977. Since its inception, the charity has spent in excess of $1 billion responding to humanitarian disasters.
Mr O’Shea went to the High Court in July to prevent the board from removing him as chief executive. After talks, a settlement was agreed under which Mr O’Shea would step down. Yesterday, Mr O’Mahony praised Mr O’Shea, saying: “His compassion for the poorest of the poor and his determination has made Goal an internationally respected force for change throughout the developing world.”
The board previously said it intended to “explore future opportunities to collaborate” with Mr O’Shea, given his “vast experience and expertise”.
