Galway FC

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Galway Advertiser reports that there'll be a Galway FC next year.

https://www.facebook.com/GalwayAdvertiser/posts/10151845488376941

"Galway FC to be officially launched in next few weeks. Cooperative-type ownership model to be explored with a vote on this after first season."

Post on GUFC forum says that a 9 person board is in place:


A 9-person board has been put in place: Joe Keating and Declan Mooney of the Galway FA; John Flannery and Tommy Lally of GUST; Jim McSpadden and Oliver Daniels of Salthill Devon; and Declan McDonnell and Donnie Farragher of Mervue United; along with independent chairperson, Bernie O'Connell.

[Jofspring]

Intersting. I thought it had all gone by the waste side a few weeks ago.

[Mr A]

This seems very strange. Not sure GUST are on side with this. Seems crazy to put out an announcement when one of the major parties has not given consent?

The way this whole process has been handled has been very disappointing.

[Sean South]

Not the first time GUST have been made to look like fools they really got played. United they stood but divided they are falling. Some of the Gustys are supporting this new franchise club, but more are walking away.

[Jofspring]

With two GUST members said to be on the board I thought they were involved in this. If GUST are not involved then saying "John Flannery and Tom Lally GUST" is a bit misleading.

[Aaron]

Looks from the snippet above the GUST are onboard, and all Galway clubs are onboard this idea. Leaves us now wondering will Salthill and Mervue pull their senior teams from the league, leaving a good few vacancies to fill?

[White Horse]

I'll believe it when I see the DVD.

[Olander]

I'll believe it when I see the DVD.
Richie Towell, a virtual unknown. Enough said. Jog on ya nutter.

[Trainee]

Galway FC is a long way from Happening, dont know where press release came from, the names mentioned as for those involed in the talks and the board has been elected yet, Gust still have to vote to decide if we will back this new club. Looks like SD Galway all over again if Im honest

[oriel]

So can we assume that the word United will never be successful in an application to re-join?

What about Galway City instead? What was their first name when they entered in 1978, Rovers I think?

And why exactly are the FAI so against the GUST people or did i pick that up wrong?

[Bawnville Hoop]

Whatever they end up being called, everyone knows it will be Galway United. As for Mervue/Salthill they have a combined 50 hardcore fans which will be worth nothing to them.

This team is Galway United.

[Trainee]

Whatever they end up being called, everyone knows it will be Galway United. As for Mervue/Salthill they have a combined 50 hardcore fans which will be worth nothing to them.

This team is Galway United.
GUST asked for this press release to be held as GUST need members to vote on this: 3 reasons I cant see GUST being involved:
1. Structure of club wont be a co -op
2. Mervue & Salthill get to all solidarity money for 5 years
3. Mervue or Salthill will get €500 per year a player has played with either club for every a player signed (eg if a player played 4 years with Mervue Galway Fc must pay Mervue 2k to sign that player) Most people agree Galway FC should be mainly local players so this could Cost Galway Fc 20k a year as Galway FC wont have an underage structure to sign their own players.

Galway Fc could train on plenty on pitches at little cost like Galway Utd but they will be forced use Mervue or Salthill facilities and be charged a decent rent for the privilage.

This press realease has annoyed people in Galway Fa and their have been calls for Galway Fa to discuss this aswell

[wonder88]

Not a good solution at all. It seems that Mervue and Salthill are calling the shots in relation to the type of soccer club there will be in Galway, and I suppose they feel they can do this because of their membership of the LoI. Yet both these clubs have failed to attract any support from the city and county during the years they have been in the league. For me supporters/fans are the most important element in any club (UCD probably an exception), and a new team must represent them; and since the two clubs already in the league from Galway have no fans to talk of I don't see why their owners should have any major part to play in a galway team. Also, I would allow and even encourage both Mervue and Salthill to stay in the LoI as long as they wish.

[bluewhitearmy]

Not a good solution at all. It seems that Mervue and Salthill are calling the shots in relation to the type of soccer club there will be in Galway, and I suppose they feel they can do this because of their membership of the LoI. Yet both these clubs have failed to attract any support from the city and county during the years they have been in the league. For me supporters/fans are the most important element in any club (UCD probably an exception), and a new team must represent them; and since the two clubs already in the league from Galway have no fans to talk of I don't see why their owners should have any major part to play in a galway team. Also, I would allow and even encourage both Mervue and Salthill to stay in the LoI as long as they wish.

But the crowd that have had 0 fans in the league recently should?

[Spudulika]

How many underage sides do GUST operate at the moment?

[Patrick Dunne]

How many underage sides do GUST operate at the moment?

GUST had one underage team last year (FAI U19 League), we were not allowed to continue to field at this level despite seeking to do so.

[Spudulika]

GUST had one underage team last year (FAI U19 League), we were not allowed to continue to field at this level despite seeking to do so.

Thanks PD, just wondering as I am trying to remember how many underage sides the old Galway United had (I did see an under-20 or 19 team play). It's interesting as GUST have the chance to build from grassroots up with under-10's (I know it goes younger but just picking one age to kick off with) up to 16's/18's locally.

[gormacha]

Can't help but think that the problems that beset the LOI are right here in microcosm.

Poor leadership from the governing body; internecine warfare; no connection between junior and senior grades; erratic links with underage football. Sigh.

[Nesta99]

Seems like the system proposed is designed to fail. Mervue and SD are far too protectionist to really be on board. The old tactic of making whats on offer be so unacceptable that it gets rejected and in this case GUST say no to the plan and Mervue and SD can walk away happy and lay the blame at somone elses door.

[gufcfan]

Thanks PD, just wondering as I am trying to remember how many underage sides the old Galway United had (I did see an under-20 or 19 team play). It's interesting as GUST have the chance to build from grassroots up with under-10's (I know it goes younger but just picking one age to kick off with) up to 16's/18's locally.

GUST have been building a good relationship with junior clubs all over Galway over the last few years and I personally don't see how that could continue with them fielding teams at every age-group. It would turn all the clubs in Galway into competitors again.

Delicate situation. Would love to say I have the answer to it.

[Jofspring]

3. Mervue or Salthill will get €500 per year a player has played with either club for every a player signed (eg if a player played 4 years with Mervue Galway Fc must pay Mervue 2k to sign that player) Most people agree Galway FC should be mainly local players so this could Cost Galway Fc 20k a year as Galway FC wont have an underage structure to sign their own players.

That one just seems bonkers. If anything it would make "Galway FC" seek out players from other counties instead of from local teams as it would be too costly.

It would also open it up for Limerick, Sligo, Cork, Athlone etc… to come in and take the best Mervue and Salthill players because you can be sure none of those clubs would be coughing up €2,000 for an amateur player.

[Jofspring]

GUST have been building a good relationship with junior clubs all over Galway over the last few years and I personally don't see how that could continue with them fielding teams at every age-group. It would turn all the clubs in Galway into competitors again.

Delicate situation. Would love to say I have the answer to it.

Similar situation is arising in Limerick.

For the future of Limerick FC we need to have structures below Senior and Under 19's. Limerick now has Schoolboy teams at nearly every level from under 5's up to 16's, most of whom are doing well. A few people are aggrieved by this in the city and think Limerick should not be competing against them.

So what are clubs to do in this situation? Scrap schoolboys and rely on junior teams for players for the rest of time? Have no underage structures of our own? Continually have to bring in players from other clubs or abroad?

Basically football in this country is ****ed.

[Kiki Balboa]

Similar situation is arising in Limerick.

For the future of Limerick FC we need to have structures below Senior and Under 19's. Limerick now has Schoolboy teams at nearly every level from under 5's up to 16's, most of whom are doing well. A few people are aggrieved by this in the city and think Limerick should not be competing against them.

So what are clubs to do in this situation? Scrap schoolboys and rely on junior teams for players for the rest of time? Have no underage structures of our own? Continually have to bring in players from other clubs or abroad?

Basically football in this country is ****ed.


At my local football team, like other teams from around, they constantly lose their best players the Drogheda Boys, the youth structure of Drogheda United, which has left the Drogheda League considerably weaker than surrounding leagues, meaning players left behind have less chance of improving. Problem is Drogheda Boys rarely improve players and end up turning young lads off football and onto GAA, causing a lot of fustration with junior clubs.

Just asking what League is Limerick youths in ? are they playing in the same league as the players former clubs ? if so would they not be better running the league team from u-12s to u-16s and have a team at u-17,18,19 (when schoolboys end).

Also would Galway FC run the ETP/League team which is a mixture of salthill and mervue players ? could be a good option.

[Lim till i die]

Just asking what League is Limerick youths in ? are they playing in the same league as the players former clubs ? if so would they not be better running the league team from u-12s to u-16s and have a team at u-17,18,19 (when schoolboys end).

This year Limerick FC have 22 teams (if you include the minis starting after Christmas) playing across the LDSL. (Limerick District Schoolboy League.)

From Under 7s up to Under 16s.

There's probably only two or three of those age groups where we would be considered to have one of the stronger teams, we're still very much a work in progress.

Ideally, the senior team would run the local league team but history/politics means that there is more chance of your Drogheda Boys improving and going on to win the Champions League.

The other option (not having a schoolboy set up) isn't what we want so we have to run schoolboy teams (which I'm sure most people within the club consider a monumental pain in the balls)





I don't get the problem with the Galway FC having to pay Mervue and Salthill for young lads?? Don't all clubs get got for youth development money when signing young lads?? Hoban to Dundalk, Gaffney to Limerick etc, etc.

Also, on the solidarity money, where do GUST suggest it should go??

[Patrick Dunne]

Compensation for any young players signed on a professional contract like every other LOI club, yes. Compensation for every single player signed on amateur forms, no.

Solidarity money should go the senior LOI club, which should have an U19 team like every other LOI club.

All that people are looking for in Galway is the same rules applying as around the country - which unfortunately hasn't happened here for a few years now.

[Trainee]

Surprise surprise FAI failed to answer questuons

http://www.connachttribune.ie/sport/item/1328-questions-remain-unanswered-by-fai-over-galway-payments

[Spudulika]

Surprise surprise FAI failed to answer questuons

http://www.connachttribune.ie/sport/item/1328-questions-remain-unanswered-by-fai-over-galway-payments

So GUST have registered both GUFC and GFC?

[Trainee]

Yes GUST own both those Business names, GUST registered the GFC well over a year as the name GUFC was unavailable, and when GUFC was struck earlier this year it registered the name GUFC

[Sunny Jim]

They should call it the Galway United Football Federation. Seems to me that GUFF would be an apt name.

[Dodge]

The business name means sod all. They can call the business DVDs'r'us Ltd and still run a football club called Galway FC so that's not an impediment at all.

From the sounds of it, no one in Galway deserves a LOI club.

[gordongekko]

The business name means sod all. They can call the business DVDs'r'us Ltd and still run a football club called Galway FC so that's not an impediment at all.

From the sounds of it, no one in Galway deserves a LOI club.

All we are asking for is a fighting chance. Your comment is a huge slur on the men and women of gust who have worked tirelessly to keep the idea of loi alive for last few years despite the constant kickings they receive from the so called football family.

[Dodge]

All we are asking for is a fighting chance. Your comment is a huge slur on the men and women of gust who have worked tirelessly to keep the idea of loi alive for last few years despite the constant kickings they receive from the so called football family.
And what about all the slurs that fans of GUST/GUFC/GUFF etc have thrown at the people involved with Salthill and Mervue.

It's clear none of you want to work together equitably so drop the high horse act

I'd only be too delighted to see premier division football return to Galway, and I hope I'm wrong, but it looks doomed

[wonder88]

Why such opposition to a supporters owned club in Galway. Both Salthill and Mervue are owned by their members? Two of the clubs with most fans in Ireland are one member/one vote organisations; ie Shamrock R and Cork. Bohs while having a terrible time on the pitch still have crowds equal to the one person owned Pats who are top of the table and playing some of the best style of soccer I have seen in the LoI.
Allow GUST compete in the League and let the market(league table) decide who is best to represent Galway city and county on the soccer fields of Ireland.

[gordongekko]

And what about all the slurs that fans of GUST/GUFC/GUFF etc have thrown at the people involved with Salthill and Mervue.

It's clear none of you want to work together equitably so drop the high horse act

I'd only be too delighted to see premier division football return to Galway, and I hope I'm wrong, but it looks doomed

i have never been on a horse in my life. All the people of Galway want is a club to support. To say we don't want it or don't deserve it is a slur on the hard work done by gust to keep everything going. Is it a lot to expect to be treated the same as derry cork or shams? . Is it a lot to hope to put together a club that has a future instead of expected to have it raped for the next 5 years. This club will go ahead with or without gust but only with gust can it succeed.

[redron]

The business name means sod all. They can call the business DVDs'r'us Ltd and still run a football club called Galway FC so that's not an impediment at all.

I think you're mistaken there.
The situation would be similar to Cork, and previously Limerick.
Cork City FORAS FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the right to use the business name "Cork City FC".
Likewise, Limerick 37 FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the rights to use the business name "Limerick FC".

[gordongekko]

I think you're mistaken there.
The situation would be similar to Cork, and previously Limerick.
Cork City FORAS FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the right to use the business name "Cork City FC".
Likewise, Limerick 37 FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the rights to use the business name "Limerick FC".

correct. I'm sure coke would stop me using their name if I tried.

[Sean South]

And what about all the slurs that fans of GUST/GUFC/GUFF etc have thrown at the people involved with Salthill and Mervue.



What they said about Mervue and Salthill is nothing compared to what they are saying about each other now, those who agree with GFC and those who don't. Mental stuff.

[TommyT]

And what about all the slurs that fans of GUST/GUFC/GUFF etc have thrown at the people involved with Salthill and Mervue.


Would you blame them though?. How would you feel if Investec called in their money and Cherry Orchard rebranded themselves ''CO St Patricks'' and changed their colours to red and white?

It's still worth going back a level in all of this. If the FAI didn't think that Galway could sustain 3 teams they shouldn't have let Mervue and Salthill into the A Championship. The fact that they were able to play there way out of it at a time when GUFC were in the Premier would suggest that there's little wrong with the players being produced out west and that players wise at least Galway could handle having three First Div clubs. If this situation was allowed to develop there would only be one winner between the three. The GUST deserve great credit for not doing a Monaghan and keeping their club going through 2011. It is a disgrace that they were not offered the opportunity to beat the other two clubs on the field of play and to demonstrate how well they could run a club on an ongoing basis.

[wonder88]

Is it Investec the bank that Kelleher has the St Pats loans with ?, he also has millions in loans with the Bank that was called Anglo Irish. Not sure anybody from St Pats can lecture soccer fans from Galway, who just want a chance to have their team/club back to follow again in the LoI. Many of these fans would have followed Galway Utd/Rovers for over 20-25 years of their life and there is every chance that they have the numbers to keep a competitive club going in the first divison at least. The idea that these people should now support an amalgamated Salthill/Mervue is plain silly, and must come from those who have no understanding of football culture. Supporting a team in the LoI is not the same as going to the a play or concert.

[Dodge]

i have never been on a horse in my life. All the people of Galway want is a club to support. To say we don't want it or don't deserve it is a slur on the hard work done by gust to keep everything going.

I didn't say GUST. I said Galway people. Everyone is to blame (and everyone involved with football in Ireland is hardworking, GUST do not have a monopoly on that name)


I think you're mistaken there.
The situation would be similar to Cork, and previously Limerick.
Cork City FORAS FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the right to use the business name "Cork City FC".
Likewise, Limerick 37 FC only changed its trading name after acquiring the rights to use the business name "Limerick FC".

The company behind St Patrick's Athletic is called Newtonheath Ltd. They trade as St Patrick's Athletic FC. Derry City had no issues starting fresh and claiming the name. AFAIK Galway FC hasn't start trading so I don't see on what basis anyone could complain to the FAI if Galway FC applied to join the league.



Many of these fans would have followed Galway Utd/Rovers for over 20-25 years of their life and there is every chance that they have the numbers to keep a competitive club going in the first divison at least. The idea that these people should now support an amalgamated Salthill/Mervue is plain silly, and must come from those who have no understanding of football culture.

I'm afraid they've no choice as they currently sit in the LOI and have every right to defend that position from a club that committed suicide not so long ago.

[citybone]

Cork City have the same problem. schoolboy teams dont like us taking their best players at 17-18 yet wont allow cork city to play in the local Schoolboy leagues. I would suggest Cork City-Cobh Ramblers-Limerick-Waterford-Galway-Wexford-Athlone have a u17/u15 competitions? costly but if local leagues wont allow us to compete then LOI clubs need to work together. It would also give incentives for the young kids to play for the LOI sides over the junior clubs.

[Mr A]

There has to be more national or at least regional leagues for LOI clubs to compete in. If you enter a local league and hoover up the best players they won't develop properly as the competition won't be strong enough. Dual registration would be excellent as well as it would mean players not getting their game could turn out for the local club.

It would also mean that farcical stuff like the Galway ladies league being canned half way through to facilitate the new WNL Galway team wouldn't happen.

[nigel-harps1954]

This is the sort of thing that should be included in a radical reform of the whole league of ireland.

The much talked about pyramid system should include underage structures. Each club should have u-15, u-17, and u-19 squads as well as a reserve team all playing in small regional divisions if we're ever to truly move forward.

[WoodquayBoy]

That's all well and good but unfortunately, from our point of view at least, the only U-19 teams being allowed from Galway are Devon and Mervue, as compensation for dropping out of LOI.

[citybone]

There has to be more national or at least regional leagues for LOI clubs to compete in. If you enter a local league and hoover up the best players they won't develop properly as the competition won't be strong enough. Dual registration would be excellent as well as it would mean players not getting their game could turn out for the local club.

It would also mean that farcical stuff like the Galway ladies league being canned half way through to facilitate the new WNL Galway team wouldn't happen.
u17 north and u17 south, u15 north and u15 south, winners of each can play in a final against each other. too costly to have a national league at this level.

[legendz]

Connacht/Ulster
Leinster A
Leinster B
Southern


Castlebar Celtic
Bohemian FC
Athlone Town
Cobh Ramblers


Derry City
Crumlin United
Ballinasloe Town
Cork City


Finn Harps
Drogheda United
Bray Wanderers
Kerry League


Galway United
Dublin University
Kildare County
Kilkenny City


Letterkenny Rovers
Dundalk
Longford Town
Lifford FC


Monaghan United
Mullingar Town
Portlaoise FC
Limerick 37


Salthill Devon
Shamrock Rovers
St Patrick's Athletic
Waterford United


Sligo Rovers
Shelbourne
UCD
Wexford Youths



It's a shame the underage leagues have gone backwards from the likes of the above Dr Tony O'Neill U21 League '06. The 4 league's above were ideal enough in terms of cutting travel distances etc.

I agree with calls for clubs to have U19, U17 and U15 teams. Maybe at U17 and U15 three regional leagues would be appropriate for north & west, east and south?

I'll only tentatively touch on reserve teams someone mentioned earlier. I wouldn't say clubs should have to field reserve team but it'd be great if a few were in a position to field teams in three regional leagues along with some non-league clubs.

[citybone]

Those four leagues at u17 & u15 would be great. I like the current u19 set up. one top division and two regional 1st divisions. would some of those clubs still be able to field teams?

[Sean South]

If anyone is interested here are minutes from the GUST meeting last night about joining Galway FC

Galway United Supporters Trust EGM minutes 19/9/13 (http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/868812/vegeta-self-destruct-o.gif)

[colonelwest]

From the extratime twitter:



Extratime.ie News ‏@ExtratimeNews (https://twitter.com/ExtratimeNews) 4m (https://twitter.com/ExtratimeNews/status/395585007508389888)
Galway FC will play all home games in Eamonn Deacy Park and they are inviting applicants for position of First Team Manager #LeagueOfIreland (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LeagueOfIreland&src=hash)

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The Comer Group (http://www.comerproperty.ie (http://t.co/WjTBawLIRC)) have agreed to be primary sponsor of Galway FC for the next 3 seasons #LeagueOfIreland (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LeagueOfIreland&src=hash)

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Galway FC confirm they have been invited to submit a licence application for 2014 League of Ireland season #LeagueOfIreland (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LeagueOfIreland&src=hash)

[Aaron]

I think this is terrific news, one Galway club in the LOI. Might get all the old Galway Utd fans back out supporting senior soccer in Galway again.