Originally Posted by
Gaillimh Al
(Deep Breath) - Galway does not have an intermediate set-up...there is no Senior League in Connacht (not enough Junior clubs willing to commit to the expense). Hence the reason why Salthill and Mervue decided to enter the A championship to give an outlet for the youth systems at both clubs that they have put so much time and effort into. The Junior league in Galway at the moment is no breeding ground for developing talented youngsters. Neither side thought they would be in the positions they are in now so soon. Mervue scraped into the play-off last year, then fully deserved their win over Kildare. Salthill seemingly were the best side in their group, so now get the same opportunity. Both were aided by the fact that the LOI clubs on this side of the country have been struggling to field A sides, let alone decent ones.
They have both developed fantastic facilities over the last decade (I played for Mervue underage in the 80s when for a time they didn't have a dressing room in Fahy's Field) that they can be proud of, and will continue to develop. This mainly comes from the dedication of volunteers and club members. Salthill and Mervue have gotten to the point where they are consistently challenging for Irish Cups at underage level (Mervue won at U14 and U16 in recent years and Salthill have lost a couple of finals). Hence the desire for them to play at a higher standard when they reached 19/20. When the CSL was around, both clubs best players would have been promoted to this side, and then quite a few went on to play for Galway United.
Compare both these structures to that of Galway United, who after 31 years in LOI have barely got a pot to **** in. No training facilities, renting a ground, massively in debt, no direct influence on ayouth system. Why would either of the other clubs want get associated with that mess. Devon did a few years ago to get Galway out of a jam. The relationship didn't end well from what I remember.
The FAI created the A championship to create a sort of pyramid structure for progressive clubs. Mervue or Salthill can't be blamed for taking advantage of the situation. Whether it will be ultimately to their benefit remains to be seen.
In summation - If there was a Connacht Senior League, this wouldn't have happened. There isn't, so it did.
Shamrock Rovers put out a very strong team today, from the looks of it. Duggan, Amond, Kavanagh, Johnston, Chisholm, Flynn, Madden, Cowan....all played in Premier this year. Salthill had 8 starters who came through the ranks with the club. Not a bad effort to lose to a 97th minute goal.
