In case those of you who couldn’t make it are interested, here is my recollection of Saturday Night in the Radisson:
There were probably a couple of hundred people there. It was by far the biggest attendance at a season ticket launch. The message is clear – the more you charge for these events, the better the response!!
I thought the atmosphere was very good – no doubt helped by the combination of the time of year & the move to the Premier.
Speeches were short & to the point. Nial O’Reilly acted as MC. Michael D Higgins made a rousing call for the City to get behind the club & praised the efforts of all concerned in the IAG process. He made March 9th. 2007 as a target date for a new era (presumably the date of the first game next season) and that everyone should focus on supporting the club in its efforts to be ready in every sense for that date. He particularly appealed to the Mayor to use whatever influence he had to ensure the City was behind the club.
The Mayor (Niall O’Brollochain) spoke of his excitement at the last few games of last season and his expectation that the same excitement would sustain us through next season. He went as far as to imagine the days when top European sides would be coming to Galway (This provoked a fairly mixed reaction from those of us who have soldiered long and hard in the cause of GUFC – but in fairness to him, he was trying to capture the moment, and keep our dreams alive).
John Fallon spoke of how the Club was actually in the ownership of the people of Galway & that there was a role for ANYBODY who wanted to participate in the running of the club. He emphasised that the Board were only the custodians of the club. They are “minding it” for anyone who wants to be involved in top class soccer in Galway.
Nick Leeson paid tribute to all who had worked to bring things to the present peak of success and urged everyone to renew season ticket applications as soon as possible. He’s off my Christmas card list ‘though as he didn’t take my ticket out when calling out the spot prizes.
The Manager said a short few words about the size of the task facing us in the new season. Amidst all the euphoria, he added a very necessary note of realism about the task that lies ahead. My confidence in him and respect for him grew as the night wore on. (and this had nothing to do with alcohol). Afterwards, at the bar he chatted very informally about his hopes and the challenges that lay ahead. He seemed to me to be very focused and realistic. There was none of the hard edge, he would have had to display in the difficult task of releasing players last week. I think he’s a great manager & I hope he’ll have all our support when things get rocky, next spring / summer (as they undoubtedly will!)
Nial O’Reilly gave a few words in between introducing the other speakers. At different points he thanked all associated with the successes of the season just ended – and I don’t think he left anyone out. He paid special tribute to the Board, Management Committee, Sponsors, Sub Committees (Finance – led by Colm Feeney, Facilities – led by Noel Meehan, Marketing – Niall McNeilas, The Pitch – Noel Connolly, Sponsors – Stephen Harris, The Office – Adrienne – The website - Daniel) as well as giving very generous praise to Nick Leeson highlighting his personal qualities which have delivered more for GUFC as any public profile Nick has.
Both Nial and Michael D praised the contribution of club secretary Bernie O’Connell (who was unable to attend due to the illness of a close relative). Nial told us how Bernie wrote two speeches in Irish for the travelling party to City West last Monday – one for either possible outcome. This despite the fact that loads of people apparently “in the know” had us “promoted” weeks ago.
Nial’s own contribution was not lost sight of, even though he was keen to deflect from his own role. The reality is that without him, there probably would not be Galway United in any national division.
Politicians get a bad rap generally. Michael D and Mayor O’ Brollochain deserve a lot of credit for giving things the lift they did. The contribution of Martin Quinn is very necessary and welcome too, He stayed in the background on Saturday night, but his work at Board level and as a loyal supporter down the years is immense. It said a lot for him that he let the Mayor & Michael D get on with things on Saturday night. A lot of politicians take a lot of flak for manufacturing photo opportunities for themselves, but Councillor Quinn gained a lot more credibility in my eyes by keeping his customary lower profile.
The backdrop was a montage of photos and video clips from the past, coupled with the IAG video presentation. Nial mentioned at the end of it that it would have been difficult to exclude us from the Premier league, on the basis of that piece of video. He wasn’t joking. It summed up the professional stamp that has been all over what the club have achieved in the past two years. Well done again to all concerned.
On a lighter note, ( & hopefully without ‘causing any offence) there was a hint of Footballers Wives / WAGS about the appearance of some of the squads better halves. I know my concentration on the speeches was occasionally distracted by one or two of these gorgeous girls crossing my line of vision.
Among the players in attendance were Billy, Fran Carter, Phil Reilly, Wes, Alan Keane and Derek O’Brien.
One last point – no show by Ronan Coleman – Incredible – Definitely a case of Hamlet without the prince. Imagine putting the Human League ahead of the Premier League???
Don’t you want me baby?????????????
Happy Christmas.
