GUST apply for first division licence

[WoodquayBoy]

It's the Sportsground, not The Showgrounds, and the official attendance was just over 5,000 - be angry, but be accurate

[tiktok]

Totally agree Bennocelt on standing up to the FAI. It's shameful when, for example, some FAI suits ride into town for the League Cup final, demand that the home club pony up for a meal for them and then tell the winners if the players want winners medals, they can pay for them themselves.

The home club didn't pay for the meal.
23 winners and 23 runners-up medals were provided.
"be angry, but be accurate"

This all seems to be slipping away now, it's a shame.

[WoodquayBoy]

Apologies, I remembered hearing Sligo had to provide their own medals - definitely should practice what I preach

[Terry]

It's the Sportsground, not The Showgrounds, and the official attendance was just over 5,000 - be angry, but be accurate

Im not angry, but very very sad to see where GUFC lies dead, and, Yes, I don't know what the name of the grounds is, that shows what a change it is for me and my family. It was the first time I ever stood inside the place, never even been to a greyhound race (or are they poodles?). I dont have to be accurate to suit yourself, everyone else knew what I was posting about, it was just yourself that struggled to work it out!

[born2bwild]

It seems to be a Good Night one and all from all the Galway United FC supporters. Will the last person out turn off the lights and pull the door closed behind them.

From my own perspective, I have enjoyed the the past 26 years following GUFC around the country and on a very rare occasion abroad. I have made friends that will be forever part of my family (mad enough as they all are!). I have meet characters up and down the country that know what its like to enjoy the game and not the TV in the pub, getting out and meeting players that represent football clubs that we love and hate but will always, in our own eyes, represent real Irish football, grassroots football, football that we dream our own kids could play some day.

Maybe some day, a club called Galway United will arise out of the ashes, and again I will make the journey up to Terryland but for now Connaught Rugby has won over all else in this house. 5 new supporters were generated last night from my house in what was a very entertaining night in the showgrounds (never thought I here myself calling "The Showgrounds" my home clubs grounds !!!!!!), amazingly there were more GUFC jackets in attendance than would be seen in football grounds around the city. The conversion has been completed it seems, by technicality.
God, that's depressing.

I can't imagine what it would be like to have supported a team for 26 years and then to be faced with the prospect of having to support some Frankenstein's monster formed out of the spare parts of Mervue, SD and GUST.
I had only been going to Fingal games for 1 year when they died and it felt pretty pseudo being at Shels matches at first - better now, though. 26 years is a different bag of spuds, altogether.

But, would it really be better to follow Rugby than Galway Golum FC?

[CrowdedHouse]

God, that's depressing.

But, would it really be better to follow Rugby than Galway Golum FC?


Yea the really depressing part is that you'd go to egg ball....I'd rather watch lawn bowling

[GuisaSaigon]

Been following United for 26 years aswell. Heartbroken to see my club dying. Had some great days in the last 26 years, made some lifelong friends from Galway and from other clubs around the country. Bitter about how the FAI dealt with the problem they created but can't change that now. I will never follow Mervue or Salthill whatever they morph into over the next few years. Never liked rugby but I might give Connacht a go, cant see myself being a regular at the Sportsgrounds though.As a young lad I dreamed of playing for Galway United, had to make do with following the club around the country. Dreamed of seeing my son growing up with respect for LOI and maybe someday wearing the maroon, have to explain to him now that Terry the Tiger isn't around anymore. Always took the existence of my club for granted, United entered the LOI the year I was born. Can't believe it's gone now, they can never take the memories away.Gerry Mullen daisy cutter against Derry, John Mannion winning the first division in Athlone, New Years day in Turners Cross, Lansdowne in the sun..... RIP. United till I die.

[Comic Book Guy]

Gutted for all galway fans, I think I know how you feel, when ramblers were dumped to the a league I felt the fai were making an example of us, and when I see how certain clubs then were undoubtedly given leeway it showed to me that licensing is not the black and white transparent process it should be. As an aside I'd love to know what all fans of all other clubs think of Mr mop top's overall tenure at the helm of the fai? Could there ever be a putsch against him?

[Lim till i die]

As an aside I'd love to know what all fans of all other clubs think of Mr mop top's overall tenure at the helm of the fai? Could there ever be a putsch against him?

http://i56.tinypic.com/5wjbsz.jpg

[Charlie Darwin]

It's funny you should use the word 'putsch' because I firmly believe that, were a coup attempted at the FAI, Delaney would have the ringleaders rounded up and shot.

[Martinho II]

It's funny you should use the word 'putsch' because I firmly believe that, were a coup attempted at the FAI, Delaney would have the ringleaders rounded up and shot.


spot on charlie I rem his father Joe Delaney being with the FAI in the mid nineties and the way he got sacked would have soured John.. I cant see John ever gettin out of office unless he makes a major mistake..hes a master at the politics game..

[gufcfan]

I cant see John ever gettin out of office unless he makes a major mistake..hes a master at the politics game..
The Teflon Taoiseach isn't a patch on him.

As for major mistakes, he's had his fill of them already.

[Terry-Lander]

My first game was also Galway Rovers first game, 35 years ago. My dad brought me. I brought my eldest son to his first game 13 years ago, he was three months old. Today my 11 yr old asked "will there be a Galway United or Gust team next year?". I told him that one of the other teams would probably play in Terryland and wear maroon. His reply was simple "But they're not my team".

I've great memories of going to games. Despite the lows, and there have been many, I don't regret a second of following MY team. Like GUISA, I hoped to see my kids one day play for United. They hoped to do likewise. That and many other dreams have been shattered. I bear no ill will towards Mervue or Salthill and wish them luck but neither will ever be MY team.

This was an opportunity to represent all clubs in an entity that would be representative of the city and county but egos got in the way. I'm devastated to say the least. I'm hurt. I'm empty.

Thank you to all those I met through United. Thanks for the camraderie. Thanks especially to GUST for keeping the show on the road. If you see a lost looking soul in Athlone or Sligo with a United scarf, I'm only there for the football.

[Trainee]

Supporters direct take on Cork, Bohs & Gufc
http://www.lookleftonline.org/2012/01/model-supporters/

[bennocelt]

spot on charlie I rem his father Joe Delaney being with the FAI in the mid nineties and the way he got sacked would have soured John.. I cant see John ever gettin out of office unless he makes a major mistake..hes a master at the politics game..

mmmm trying to think how he could do any worse:confused:

[culloty82]

So what can be expected from tomorrow's meeting - has there been an agreement with Mervue? It obviously wouldn't be ideal for Galway fans to be entering a merged club, but it would be the least worst option if it guaranteed you some involvement in the First Division. There's still the alternative of sitting out the season, but as with Carlow, Cobh or Tralee, the danger is that if a team doesn't get First Division status now, it may be many more seasons before there's another re-organisation of the league, in which case you're relying on a club to go bust.

[gufct]

So what can be expected from tomorrow's meeting - has there been an agreement with Mervue? It obviously wouldn't be ideal for Galway fans to be entering a merged club, but it would be the least worst option if it guaranteed you some involvement in the First Division. There's still the alternative of sitting out the season, but as with Carlow, Cobh or Tralee, the danger is that if a team doesn't get First Division status now, it may be many more seasons before there's another re-organisation of the league, in which case you're relying on a club to go bust.

That's for our members and supporters tomorrow night. Just a question for you how do Tralee expect to run their club for €100,000 this season as we reckon minimum of €180,000 to finish last with everything stripped to the bare bones.

[Martinho II]

according to the mail today they reckon that Galway have being unsuccessful in their merger talks with the two other galway clubs so it looks like a year out of senior football.. sad day if that is the case..

[nigel-harps1954]

Maybe a chance to join this new proposed Connacht Senior League and work toward promotion to first division if the 8 team first division proposal goes ahead.

[WoodquayBoy]

How does that rag know the talks were unsuccessful when a vote on both proposals has yet to be taken?? There is a chance, albeit small, that one of the offers will be accepted, as if both are kicked to touch, that's GUST/GUFC gone for at least a year, and for good according to some people.

[gufcfan]

How does that rag know the talks were unsuccessful when a vote on both proposals has yet to be taken?? There is a chance, albeit small, that one of the offers will be accepted, as if both are kicked to touch, that's GUST/GUFC gone for at least a year, and for good according to some people.
Better anything than what the FAI want.

[Terry]

according to the mail today they reckon that Galway have being unsuccessful in their merger talks with the two other galway clubs so it looks like a year out of senior football.. sad day if that is the case..

I wouldn't say unsuccessful, its looks more than likely that the trust members won't vote in favour of the merger that the FAI are trying to get them to do. GUST is about inclusion of all the Galway DL teams and not just one club. Im hearing that GUST will apply to have a team in the u19 league next season and progress from here. Salthill Devon will announce that they are changing there name to SD Galway FC and tell the public that they are the continuation of Galway United of the past. Watch out for public announcements from former GUFC legends Tony Mannion, Alan Murphy, Derek O'Brien and more who will be plying there trade with them this season.

[Trainee]

http://www.galwaynews.ie/23886-utd-fans-meet-decide-fate

I'm not a Salthill fan so I wont be supporting this.

RIP GUFC

[ger121]

Clever bit of contingency planning by Salthill. I'd say they will pick up a few floating fans and disillusioned former Galway Utd Supporters.

[passerrby]

Think your right Salthill will fill the gap left by Galway and in time and with the help of the fai they could be seen as Galway united

[JC_GUFC]

I think that's the idea.

The FAI and the club wanted GUST on board as we have a decent fanbase and more importantly fundraising ability.

I've no doubt that Salthill's crowds will improve in Terryland but at the moment they have virtually no people who you could call fans. They're going to have to start from scratch here and it will be tough for them to establish themselves as a club representing all of Galway.

[sadloserkid]

If the names that Terry mentioned hitch up to the bandwagon too it instantly lends a sort of phony legitimacy to things too. Without wishing to dance on anybody's grave what options are left for GUST now? Is it basically a case of waiting a year (at least) and trying to break back in or else just taking whatever meagre offering Mervue/Salthill throw to them (now more than ever these two clubs really are holding all the cards)?

Some earlier suggestions from somebody that they should just adopt Mervue or Salthill now were ridiculous and unkind. Even as somebody who had ZERO time for GUFC I think it must be a horrible time for the GUST members. Horrible thing to happen to a football supporter anywhere.

[gufc2000]

GUST will apply for a place in the 2012 U-19 Airtricity League, the current team are still in season. The long term aim is to come back, and be the number one senior football team in Galway again.

[Jofspring]

GUST will apply for a place in the 2012 U-19 Airtricity League, the current team are still in season. The long term aim is to come back, and be the number one senior football team in Galway again.

So has the vote been made already?

[gufc2000]

So has the vote been made already?
No but that's pretty much the 3rd option on the table. Judging by our forum it's the more favoured at the minute

[Trainee]

So has the vote been made already?

Its tonight, I cant see a vote to join SD Galway being successful.

[nigel-harps1954]

Seems the most sensible option for GUST currently. It's only a pity there is no A league or Connacht senior league at the minute to build a firm base on before launching for first division in 2013 if it still goes ahead.

[GuisaSaigon]

It's only a matter of time before Salthill and mervue drop out of the league. The only reason they are there is because if one stayed out the other would take all their players. They have no support outside their housing estates and never will. GUST will be ready and waiting to provide a truly representative club for all the people of galway. We're not going away.

[bluewhitearmy]

It's only a matter of time before Salthill and mervue drop out of the league. The only reason they are there is because if one stayed out the other would take all their players. They have no support outside their housing estates and never will. GUST will be ready and waiting to provide a truly representative club for all the people of galway. We're not going away.

We will see how true that is this season with the new Salthill thing.

[GuisaSaigon]

Large crowd in Galway Rovers hall almost unaminous vote to reject proposals of Salthill/mervue. Gust plan to take year to rebuild club with a view to applying in 2013. Agreeing to proposals would have been against principles of gust and would have alienated support base and damaged relationships with 33 galway & district league clubs who supported gust application. Gust will continue to run galway united u-19s for duration of season. GUFC play mervue in fahy's field tomorrow night.

[adamd164]

That was probably a sensible decision by GUST, gonna be tough having at least a year of no team to support now but rowing in behind SDGFC or whatever it is to be called would be essentially selling out the soul of the club.

[GCdfc]

GUST will be ready and waiting to provide a truly representative club for all the people of galway. We're not going away.

Sounds like you'll break all LOI attendance records like you have done before :rolleyes:

You should just make another DVD :p

[gordongekko]

GUST Statement

At a well attended open meeting in the Claddagh Hall, Galway last night the members of Galway United Supporters Trust (GUST)unanimously voted to continue to remain independent & to pursue their vision of a community based football club representing Galway City & County. As a result of this decision the proposals from both Salthill Devon & Mervue United in relation to any amalgamations were rejected.

Whilst obviously extremely disappointed with the FAI decision not to proceed with GUST’s Airtricity League licence application for 2012 all members remain fully committed to ensuring that their vision will become a reality in 2013. In the months ahead GUST will continue ongoing dialogue with all interested parties throughout the community about the future of League of Ireland football in Galway

[GuisaSaigon]

You should just make another DVD :p

or maybe take Christmas tree hostage with a can of petrol!

[GCdfc]

or maybe take Christmas tree hostage with a can of petrol!

That failed :disappointed:

However, the DVD worked :victory:

[wonder88]

Correct decision taken by GUST. Hope all members and supporters stick with the Trust now and support their fundraising efforts. Due to the lack of a proper Connacht Senior League it is not going to be easy, but it is going to be difficult for the two Galway City clubs as well. I will miss having no League of Ireland club to support this year as it is a League that I have great fondness for, for many many years.

[sullanefc]

Correct decision taken by GUST. Hope all members and supporters stick with the Trust now and support their fundraising efforts. Due to the lack of a proper Connacht Senior League it is not going to be easy, but it is going to be difficult for the two Galway City clubs as well. I will miss having no League of Ireland club to support this year as it is a League that I have great fondness for, for many many years.

Yeah, agree with this. Right decision IMO. GUST must get loads of supporters out to watch the u19s play to keep things going. I hope they give the FAI no excuse not to accept their license application next year. Best of luck.

[Guitd]

have heard announcement tomorrow that Salthill Devon have decided to move to Terryland for the coming season calling thenselves SD galway fc now and might change their colour to maroon ,who do the think they are fooling ?

[bluewhitearmy]

have heard announcement tomorrow that Salthill Devon have decided to move to Terryland for the coming season calling thenselves SD galway fc now and might change their colour to maroon ,who do the think they are fooling ?


How can you be sure it wont work?

[ger121]

How can you be sure it wont work?

I think it might. As the season goes on, you may see more Galway Utd Supporters attending games due to withdrawal symptoms from no Live Football. I'm not saying the hardcore GUST type supporter. More the casual Galway Fan who likes LOI and just wants to see a game in Terryland.

[nigel-harps1954]

I think it might. As the season goes on, you may see more Galway Utd Supporters attending games due to withdrawal symptoms from no Live Football. I'm not saying the hardcore GUST type supporter. More the casual Galway Fan who likes LOI and just wants to see a game in Terryland.

Exactly my thoughts, it's a great move by Salthill to be fair. Not good for GUST but it's exactly what Salthill needed. They will draw in a few fans and possibly see their attendances rise to about 300-400 a game anyway come mid till end of the season.

[Jofspring]

They'll still always be Salthill though. Hopefully it helps improve their crowds and I'm delighted that there will be games in Terryland next season I have to say.

Mervue should throw a spanner in the works and move back too. They already have the maroon sorted ha.

[CrowdedHouse]

Mervue should throw a spanner in the works and move back too. They already have the maroon sorted ha.

It's Claret actually [/pedantic]

[GuisaSaigon]

Rumour going around galway that FAI are paying salthill's rent for Terryland. Relationship between Salthill officials and a certain FAI official are obviously good but hardly fair on other clubs in and out of the league.

[Jofspring]

Rumour going around galway that FAI are paying salthill's rent for Terryland. Relationship between Salthill officials and a certain FAI official are obviously good but hardly fair on other clubs in and out of the league.

Maybe subsidising the rent to make sure a LOI plays in Terryland?