Athlone Town investor to "strengthen club's long-term ambition"

A new investor in Athlone Town will ensure the club remains "rooted in the Midlands community".

The League of Ireland First Division club has confirmed that Andy Beal has joined the club as an investor.

In a statement issued by Athlone Town, the club said the appointment "reflects growing confidence in the direction of the club and the work underway across football operations, commercial development, and community engagement".

'Andy’s involvement strengthens the Club’s long-term ambition to build a sustainable football model – both on and off the pitch – while keeping Athlone Town rooted in the Midlands community.

'Andy’s minority shareholding will support the club’s continued progress, with a focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term change. Day-to-day operations remain under the leadership of the executive team'.

Beal is a US-based attorney and co-founder of Forta, a cybersecurity company focused on Web3 risk management. He is also an investor in Italy Serie B side Cesena.

Andy will support the club with governance and advisory input, alongside the executive team and sub-committee structure.

Speaking following confirmation of his investment, Beal outlined his reasons for becoming involved with the club.

“I was introduced to Nick and Athlone by the team at Tiger 11 in August, and discussions progressed pretty quickly. I was able to attend the Women’s Sports Direct FAI Cup Final in October, meet the leadership team and spend time in Athlone.

"Nick and Steven have done an extraordinary job over the last six months putting a strong foundation in place to ensure this club is positioned for the future. From the moment I met them and heard their vision, I knew our values were aligned.

"We want to build an elite organisation that players, coaches, and staff want to be a part of, and the Athlone community is proud of, and do so in a sustainable way that ensures we can do it for years and decades to come," Beal said.