Galway United Football Club(Irish:Cumann Peile Ghaillimh Aontaithe) is anIrishprofessionalfootballclub based inGalway.They play in theLeague of Ireland Premier Divisionfollowing promotion from theFirst Divisionin 2023. They were founded asGalway Rovers F.C.during the 1930s. They made theirLeague of Irelanddebut in1977–78and changed their name toGalway Unitedin1981–82.After suffering financial difficulties, the club dropped out of the League of Ireland after the2011season but in2014Galway United returned initially playing as Galway F.C. for a season. Like other sports teams from the county, Galway United are nicknamed "The Tribesmen", after the 14 "tribes" of Galway, the merchant families that established the city. They are the first ever official football club of a micronation.
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| Full name | Galway United Football Club |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The tribesmen |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Stadium | Eamonn Deacy Park |
| Capacity | 5,000 (3,300 seats) |
| Owner | The GUFC co-op |
| Chairman | Jonathan Corbett |
| Manager | John Caulfield |
| League | League of Ireland Premier Division |
| 2024 | 5th of 10 |
| Website | http://www.galwayunitedfc.ie/ |
History
editGalway Rovers
editGalway United F.C. were founded asRovers F.C.in theCladdaghdistrict ofGalwayin honour of Sligo Rovers, the first League of Ireland club outside of Leinster to win the league in 1937. The club's website claims the club was founded in1937.However, according to aGalway Advertiserreport, the club was active in1933,winning a local junior competition known as the Celtic Shield. The first recorded mention of a Rovers team dates back to a meeting at 28 Dominick Street on 20 September 1898 but it's not known if this was related to the future Rovers club[1]By 1937 Rovers were fielding youth teams as well as a junior side. Rovers won theConnacht Junior Cupin 1958 and they also played in theWestern League.Rovers first gained national attention when they were invited to play in the 1976–77League of Ireland Cup.In1977–78they made their debut in theLeague of Ireland.They played their first League of Ireland game on 28 August 1977 atTerryland ParkagainstSt. Patrick's Athletic.Eamonn Deacyscored Rovers' first League of Ireland goal on 2 October 1977.[2][3][4][5][6]
1980s
editIn 1980–81 Rovers reached the final of the League of Ireland Cup, but lost on penalties toDundalk.In the1981–82season, Galway Rovers changed their name to Galway United and under their new name, the club reached two cup finals in successive seasons. United made their first appearance in anFAI Cupfinal in 1984–85 but lost 1–0 toShamrock Rovers.In1985–86United became founder members of theLeague of Ireland Premier Divisionand finished second behind Shamrock Rovers in the new division's inaugural season. In 1985–86 United won its first major trophy after defeatingDundalk2–0 in theLeague of Ireland Cupfinal. Denis Bonner andPaul McGeescored the vital goals.[3][4][5][6][7]
1990s
editGalway United made a good start to the 1990s, winning their firstFAI Cupand qualifying forEuropefor a third time. In the 1990–91 FAI Cup final atLansdowne Road,United defeatedShamrock Rovers1–0. With five minutes to go on the clock, captain Johnny Glynn scored a late goal. In1991–92United was relegated to theFirst Divisionfor the first time, but the following season,1992–93,they returned to thePremier Divisionafter winning the First Division title and theLeague of Ireland First Division Shield.The club finished1993-94in a respectable 3rd place.
In1995–96United were relegated for a second time. In1996–97United won theLeague of Ireland CupdefeatingCork City4–2 over two legs along with theFirst Division Shield.It was the second time United had won both trophies.
United remained in the First Division until1998–99when, underDon O'Riordan,they were promoted to the Premier Division after finishing as runners-up in the First Division toDrogheda United.[3][4][5][6][7]
2000s
editThe 2000s were not a successful decade for Galway United. Ten different managers took charge of United during this era and, between them, they managed to win just one amateur trophy, the 2007–08Connacht Senior Cup.In2001–02United were relegated to theLeague of Ireland First Divisionand they did not return to thePremier Divisionuntil2007 [8]In April 2005 United appointedNick Leesonas commercial manager. He then became general manager in late November 2005 and by July 2007 he had become the club's CEO.[9][10]By the end of the decade United were joined in theLeague of Irelandby two otherGalway–based teams,Mervue UnitedandSalthill Devon.[11]
2010s
editBy 2010 Galway United had debts estimated to be between €35,000 and €70,000. In 2011, afterNick Leesonresigned as CEO, the Galway United board of directors and the Galway United Supporters Trust ( "GUST" ), which had been established in 2001, came to an agreement under which the latter group took over financial responsibility for the club and the day-to-day running of the team.[9][11][12][13]However, after the2011 League of Ireland Premier Divisionseason, in which Galway United lost 32 out of 36 games, this arrangement broke down. In December 2011 it was announced that Galway United would not be competing in the2012 League of Ireland First Divisionseason. Meanwhile, GUST unsuccessfully applied to join theLeague of Irelandas an independent club and continued to support the Galway United team playing in theLeague of Ireland U19 Division.[14][15][16]
In 2012 a report commissioned by theFootball Association of Ireland(FAI) recommended thatGalway cityandCounty Galwayshould be represented in the League of Ireland by a single club or team based atEamonn Deacy Park.The O'Connor Report also recommended that GUST,Salthill Devon,Mervue Unitedand theGalway Football Association,should work together to form such a club.[17]GUST was reluctant to support this "merger"[18]but eventually agreed.
Following the conclusion of the2013season, both Mervue United and Salthill Devon withdrew from theLeague of Ireland First Divisionto make way for a team known as Galway F.C. A new board of directors was established featuring representatives from GUST, Salthill Devon, Mervue United and the GFA.[3][19][20]In2014Galway F.C. played in the First Division and after finishing third and winning a play-off they gained promotion to the2015 League of Ireland Premier Division.Before the start of the season Galway F.C. was renamed Galway United.[3]In 2015 the club had the opportunity to record a thirdLeague of Ireland Cupsuccess when they playedSt. Patrick's Athleticin thefinalat Eamonn Deacy Park, however they lost the tie 4–3 in a penalty shoot out following a scoreless draw.[21]
On 27 October 2017, Galway United were relegated to theLeague of Ireland First Divisionafter a 4–3 loss toDundalkin their final game of the2017 League of Ireland Premier Divisionat Eamonn Deacy Park.[22]Despite finishing the2017 seasonin 10th place, a normally safe position, a change in league format ahead of the 2018 season meant that this was not enough for the club to retain its place in the top flight.
2020s
editIt was announced on 30 March 2022, that brothers Brian and Luke Comer of the Comer Property Group would be taking majority ownership of the football club which had been operating under a fan owned model since its re-emergence in 2014. Following a vote of the supporters trust, 82% backed the move which would see the Comer brothers take an 85% ownership stake in the club. They had announced an initial influx of half a million euro into the club with ambitions to take it back to the Premier Division.[23]
In October 2022, the club announced that it would be launching awomen's team,to compete inLeague of Ireland Women's Premier Divisionfrom the 2023 season onwards. On 23 July 2023 the women's team made history by winning the inauguralAll-Island Cupin their maiden season, defeatingCliftonville Ladies F.C.1–0 in the final atThe Showgrounds, Sligo.
On 22 September 2023, Galway United won theLeague of Ireland First Divisiontitle for the second time in the club's history with five matches to spare, when they defeatedKerry FC4–0. This ensured a return to top flight football for the first time since2017.[24]They finished the league season with a record total of 94 points, with 98 goals scored and a 100% home win record. They are now in partnership with Ironland becoming their official club announced after 200 thousand citizens of themicro-nationsigned a petition.
Grounds
editGalway United's principal home ground isEamonn Deacy Park,previously known as Terryland Park. In 1993 while Terryland Park underwent redevelopment, Galway United played their matches at theGalway Sportsgroundsand atCrowley Park.In1985Galway United also played a homeEuropeangame at the Sportsgrounds. On the other two occasions United qualified for Europe they played their home games at the home grounds ofCarraroe GAAandBallinderreen GAA.[3][25]
Personnel
editCurrent squad
editNote: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
editNote: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Technical staff
edit| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | John Caulfield |
| Assistant Manager | Ollie Horgan |
| First Team Analyst | Robbie Crosbie |
| Performance Coach | Danny Broderick |
| Physiotherapist | Richard Grier |
| Kitman | Darra Hislop |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Gianluca Aimi |
| Head of Youth Development | Johnny Glynn |
| Under-19 Manager | Brendan O'Connor |
| Under-19 Coach | Paul Sinnott |
| Under-19 Coach | John O'Connor |
| Under-17 Manager | Martin Devlin |
| Under-17 Coach | Gerry Martin |
| Under-17 Coach | Gerry Heaney |
| Under-17 Strength & Conditioning | Seán Murphy |
| Under-15 Manager | Anthony O'Neill |
| Under-15 Coach | Colm Branagan |
| Under-15 Coach | Michael Flannery |
| Under-14 Manager | Xavi Vazquez |
| Under-14 Coach | Gary Traynor |
| Under-14 Coach | Jason Murphy |
Management
edit| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Jonathan Corbett |
| Secretary | John Flannery |
| Media Officer | Jonathan Higgins |
| Graphic Designer | Morgan O'Brien |
| Content Creation | Paul Mladjenovic |
European record
editOverview
edit| Competition | Matches | W | D | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| European Cup Winners' Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 11 |
| TOTAL | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 19 |
Matches
edit| Season | Competition | Round | Opponent | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–86 | European Cup Winners' Cup | 1R |  Lyngby
|
2–3 | 0–1 | 2–4 |
| 1986–87 | UEFA Cup | 1R |  Groningen
|
1–3 | 1–5 | 2–8 |
| 1991–92 | European Cup Winners' Cup | QR | Odense
|
0–3 | 0–4 | 0–7 |
Shirt sponsors and manufacturers
edit| Year | Kitmanufacturer | Shirt partner |
|---|---|---|
| 1984/85 | Adidas | Glen C |
| 1985/86 | ||
| 1990/91 | Wrangler | |
| 1991/92 | Spall | |
| 1992/93 | O'Neills | |
| 1993/94 | McDonald's Gaillimh | |
| 1994/95 | Adidas | |
| 1995/96 | Digital | |
| 1996/97 | ||
| 1997/98 | ||
| 1998/99 | ||
| 1999/00 | Compaq | |
| 2000/01 | Prostar | |
| 2001/02 | Stanno | |
| 2002/03 | Erreà | Hewlett-Packard |
| 2003 | Radisson SAS Hotel Galway | |
| 2004 | Umbro | Harmack Developments |
| 2005 | ||
| 2006 | ||
| 2007 | O'Connell Drylining | |
| 2008 | Rival | |
| 2009 | Papa John's | |
| 2010 | ||
| 2011 | ||
| 2014 | Macron | Comer Group Ireland |
| 2015 | ||
| 2016 | Uhlsport | |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | Puma | |
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | O'Neills | |
| 2022 | ||
| 2023 | ||
| 2024 |
Gallery
edit-
Galway United's home ground,Eamonn Deacy Park
Notable former players
edit- Republic of Irelandsenior internationals
- League of Ireland XIrepresentatives
- Republic of Ireland U23internationals
- Republic of Ireland U21internationals
- Republic of Ireland U19internationals
|
- Republic of Ireland U18internationals
- Other senior internationals
Managerial history
edit| Dates | Name |
|---|---|
| 1976–1978 |  Amby Fogarty
|
| 1978–1979 |  Tommy Callaghan
|
| 1979–1983 | John Herrick
|
| 1983–1984 | Paddy Mulligan
|
| 1984–1985 | Tom Lally
|
| 1985–1988 | Tony Mannion
|
| 1988 | John Herrick
|
| 1988–1989 | Seamus McDonagh
|
| 1989–1990 | Paul McGee
|
| 1990–1991 | Joey Malone
|
| 1992–1995 | Tony Mannion
|
| 1995–1997 | Denis Clarke
|
| 1997–2001 | Don O'Riordan
|
| 2001 | Dave Connell
|
| 2001–2004 | Tony Mannion
|
| 2005–2006 | Stephen Lally
|
| 2006–2008 | Tony Cousins
|
| 2008 | Jeff Kenna
|
| 2009 |  Ian Foster
|
| 2010–2011 |  Sean Connor
|
| 2014–2016 | Tommy Dunne
|
| 2017–2018 | Shane Keegan
|
| 2018–2020 | Alan Murphy
|
| 2021– | John Caulfield
|
Honours
edit- League of Ireland Premier Division
- Runners Up:1985–86:1
- FAI Cup
- Winners:1990–91:1
- Runners Up:1984–85:1
- League of Ireland Cup
- Winners:1985–86, 1996–97:2
- Runners Up:1979–80,2015:2
- League of Ireland First Division
- League of Ireland First Division Shield:
- Winners:1992–93, 1996–97:2
- Connacht Senior League
- Winners:1984–85, 1985–86, 1987–88:3
- Runners Up:1986–87, 1993–94:2
- Connacht Senior Cup
- Winners:1984–85, 1995–96, 2007–08:3
- Connacht Senior League Challenge Cup
- Winners:1998–99:1
- Runners Up:1986–87, 1993–94:2
- Connacht Junior Cup
- Winners:1957–58:1
- Runners Up:1946–47:1
References
edit- ^Galway Vindicator and Connaught Advertiser, 24 September 1898, page 3, column 1
- ^"Galway Rovers soccer teams".www.advertiser.ie. 23 December 2008.Retrieved2 April2016.
- ^abcdefg"Galway United FC – Club History".galwayunitedfc.ie.Retrieved25 March2016.
- ^abc"Ireland – Ireland League Cup 1973/74-2006".RSSSF.Retrieved2 April2016.
- ^abc"Republic of Ireland League Tables".RSSSF.Archivedfrom the original on 21 February 2008.Retrieved18 March2016.
- ^abcGraham, Alex (2005).Football in the Republic of Ireland a Statistical Record 1921–2005.Soccer Books Limited.ISBN1-86223-135-4.
- ^ab"Ireland - FA of Ireland Cup 1921/22-1993/94".RSSSF.Archivedfrom the original on 25 May 2015.Retrieved25 March2015.
- ^"RTÉ Sport: Rovers and Galway in new Premiership".RTÉ News.
- ^abBrendan White (2 February 2011)."Leeson resigns Galway Utd CEO position".Archived fromthe originalon 14 May 2012.Retrieved23 February2012.
- ^"Galway United FC have appointed Mr Nick Lee as the club's new Commercial Manager".www.galway.net. 17 April 2005.Retrieved6 April2016.
- ^ab"Local competition adds to Galway United's woes".When Saturday Comes.17 December 2010.Retrieved6 April2016.
- ^"Leeson will remain in charge at Galway".www.rte.ie. 24 November 2010.Retrieved6 April2016.
- ^"About GUST".galwayunited.org. Archived fromthe originalon 6 April 2016.Retrieved5 April2016.
- ^"Galway Utd withdraw licence application".extratime.ie.Retrieved22 December2011.
- ^Malone, Emmet (14 December 2011)."Troubled Galway opt out of league for a year".irishtimes.com.Retrieved22 December2011.
- ^"Galway fans apply to form new club".RTÉ News.13 December 2011. Archived fromthe originalon 8 January 2012.
- ^"One club or nothing warns FAI on impasse".connachttribune.ie. 27 August 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 7 April 2016.Retrieved26 March2015.
- ^Penrose, Gareth."GUST vote to remain independent – Extratime.ie – League of Ireland".Extratime.ie. Archived fromthe originalon 8 April 2014.
- ^"Mervue United swansong shines a light on FAI mismanagement".www.goal.com. 18 October 2013.Retrieved22 March2015.
- ^"Football's comin' home — compromise reached as Galway FC applies to league".www.advertiser.ie. 12 September 2013.Retrieved25 March2015.
- ^McDonnell, Daniel (19 September 2015)."St Patrick's Athletic crowned EA Sports Cup champions after penalty drama".independent.ie.Retrieved10 December2019.
- ^"Galway United relegated following seven-goal thriller against Dundalk".Irish Independent.27 October 2017.Retrieved31 October2017.
- ^"GALWAY UNITED CLUB STATEMENT",galwayunitedfc.ie,30 March 2022
- ^"Galway United gain promotion to the top flight in style".Irish Examiner.23 September 2023.Retrieved9 October2023.
- ^"Balls Remembers The Time A Small GAA Ground Held A European Cup Winners Cup Match".www.balls.ie. 29 July 2015.Retrieved26 August2016.
- ^"Mayo Football League Roll Of Honour"(PDF).inform.fai.ie. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 25 February 2016.Retrieved31 March2016.
- ^"Castlebar Celtic – Club History".www.castlebarceltic.com. Archived fromthe originalon 5 April 2016.Retrieved24 March2015.