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JAV13340_SSEA_FD_Programme_A5.indd 5 07/02/2019 09:16 Light Up Your Nights

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JAV13340_SSEA_FD_Programme_A5.indd 5 07/02/2019 09:16 4 Maroon View Maroon View 5 CONTENTS interview features

16 12 DAVID HURLEY CAPTAIN’S 20 48 Tom Byrne sat LOG woodquay KIDS UNITED down with the Cork Puzzles, games, native to discuss Our new Captain wanderer stats and more his football journey Conor McCormack Bernie O’Connell ag with Terry the so far. discusses his hopes and ambitions for caint.... Tiger. the season ahead.

REGULARS

8 EDITORIAL 44 FOR THE RCORD 10 FROM THE DUGOUT 54 MATCH MASCOT 22 GUFC SQUAD PAGES 56 MIND YOUR NOGGIN 28 ACADEMY FOCUS 58 FRANK WORTHINGTON RIP 30 PRE-SEASON REPORTS 60 FROM THE ARCHIVE 40 THE STATZONE 62 UNITED LEGENDS

6 Maroon View Galway United Football Club, Park, Dyke Road, Galway Website: www.galwayunitedfc.ie Email: [email protected] Phone: 091-752762

Programme Team

Editor: Johnny Ward

Deputy-Editor: Padraic Collins

Advertising: Francis Kelly

Art Director: Shane Crotty

Design: Morgan O’Brien

Front Cover: Sean Ryan

Photography: Sean Ryan

Programme Contributors:

Bernie O’Connell, Cameron Loughnane Conor McCormack, John, Caulfield, Johnny Glynn, Johnny Ward, Julian Canny, Kevin Brett, Morgan O’Brien, Padraic Collins, Paul Mladjenovic, Paul O’Brien, Shane Crotty, Stephen Long, Tom Byrne, Tom Timothy,

Email Maroon View: [email protected]

Thank you to all contributors, sellers & readers.

Maroon View 7 EDITORIAL SHANE CROT T Y

@srcmadethis elcome to Eamonn Deacy recall there being so much expectation Park... actually, wait a in Galway ahead of a campaign in the Wminute. second tier and there are a few factors involved. We have a regular style as programme writers that usually starts with the John Caulfield’s arrival is one. The above and ends along the lines of: “Best incredible run that nearly brought of luck to our opponents (insert name us to the Premier Division last here) this season - except for tonight!” season is another. The fact we have so many young players cannot be Unfortunately, a mere select few are underestimated. And the signings here tonight, with what we hope will we made in the off-season will also be a record number of fans - of United, encourage United fans that we are on Shelbourne and other teams - watching the right path. on the stream. I expect crowds to be back sooner than most, though I said It is interesting to note how bullish the same thing about 12 months ago. Caulfield is ahead of the season in the match programme notes. He It’s been desperately frustrating, but appreciates there is pressure but if we must believe that the end is near. anything seems inspired by it. The Having come to Galway for the first time players have been impressive in pre- since the Shelbourne FAI Cup game two season, including Francely Lomboto. weeks ago for the visit of Bohemians, it was deeply depressing how a great city Francely is a genuine prospect and had become a town of ghosts. what befell him in Wexford was cruel and horrific. We wish you all the best in In that context, it was overwhelming your recovery, Francely. to bear witness to the spirit of the volunteers and staff at the Bohemians Shelbourne came here at the start game. An unbelievable number of fans of the Caulfield era and, though they have volunteered to help the club and hammered us in the end, there was that is in the media team alone. enough about United that night to suggest to people the Caulfield reign We are really proud of ‘Maroon View’ would be exciting. We’ve scored a lot and deeply appreciative of any support of goals but our defence has tightened this season until such time as we can up a lot and the squad depth is quite print a match programme again. This is something this season, with quality all not how we want it to be and we hope over the park. you enjoy reading in PDF format. We think of those United fans who It is remarkable, given that fans are passed away since we were last here and still barred from going to games, how we consider all those tonight, especially much of a buzz there is about the the elderly and those with conditions League of and by extension the that render them especially vulnerable, First Division this season. It is hard to who are still waiting to resume normal

8 Maroon View life: a normality that would involve watching Galway United in .

We’ve a wealth of talent and vigour among the volunteer team this season but please feel free to play your own role. This has the makings of an amazing season on many levels, even if we do not achieve promotion, though there is no lack of belief with that in mind.

Enjoy the game.

Maroon View 9 FROM THE DUGOUT JOHN CAULFIELD

John Caulfield is kindly sponsored by

10 Maroon View e are thrilled to be back develop his potential and full-time tonight: we’ve done a lot of training really improved him. He scored Wwork with 12 players added to against two teams pre-season and had a the squad to augment the retention of big impact. half of the one we had. It’s a setback to lose him for the That means a lot of work but the lads season but for us we need to get him have shown a great attitude. Much of the right treatment. He is a strong kid. what we worked on in training has come He has improved a lot and I just hope it off in games. Now, we are starting as hot makes him more determined to come favourites for the First Division, and it’s a back. You either feel sorry for yourself big test we are looking forward to. or come back to be a better player; he can do that. No manager gets every player he wants I guess - we all want more - but In terms of pre-season generally, we specifically targetted players since I we did eight weeks or so. Shelbourne took the job, certainly since September. at home is a great opener. They have Podge Cunningham, Ruairi Keating, invested heavily. Arguably they’ve Conor O’Keeffe and Gary Boylan were a better team than they had in the initial targets; then we had to try to get Premier. They need to go straight back Conor McCormack in; he was contracted up but that’s the ambition of many somewhere else. I wanted to have an others. energetic team with skill and pace; overall I am very happy with the squad. If We all can play the bluff game but I’ve you can stay Covid- and injury-free that’s come in and there has to be expectation. what you wish for. The board is ambitious: it wants to get out of the First Division. Every team I like teams who can score goals. has invested. Cork, Athlone, Bray and You need options and alternatives UCD are probably better than last year depending on how you play and who too. We have to deal with the level of you are playing against. We’ve a lot of expectation. If you can, you’ve a chance. options in midfield, up top and wide. I’m I’m talking to players all the time, telling very excited. A lot of the lads have done them: train to be a winner. You need to really well in pre-season. cope with this. It’s simple enough when you boil it down. I get the feeling around the city and county of renewed interest. Maybe some Lisa Fallon came in. You must have a had switched off because we hadn’t team that has expertise and work-ethic. been challenging. Maybe the run at the Lisa is highly qualified. She has been in end of last season got people watching a lot of exceptionally high-performance us again. I think we’d have very big environments: Cork City, Northern crowds and will when we can get them Ireland, footballers, Chelsea in. People are looking out for our results. women’s team. You thus keep expanding If we can hit the start running and keep your knowledge. So we’ve a great team that buzz, we can have full houses in of Colin Fortune, Danny Broderick, Terryland. Gianluca Aimi and Gary O’Connor. I was desperate to get Lisa in. I could see she’d I have to mention Francely Lomboto. expanded her coaching ability. You feel for the kid, who came through underage. At 20, we were trying to Enjoy the game.

Maroon View 11 12 Maroon View CAPTAIN’S LOG conor mccormack

am really happy to be a Galway there will be supporters back in Eamonn United player for the upcoming Deacy Park because it’s a great place to I campaign. I want to thank John play football. Caulfield and everyone involved in the hard work they put in to make it all We as a group would all like to wish happen. Francely a very speedy recovery from his injury. No doubt he will come back I’ve worked with John and Lisa Fallon stronger. He’s a great guy with loads of before and I know how determined and ability and he will be hugely missed. driven they are to win. They’re really successful manager/coaches so it’s great to be back working alongside them.

I can’t wait for the season ahead and what a game to start with at home to Shelbourne. It’s just a pity there will be no Galway United fans there to drive us on from the first whistle. I know they will be all watching/listening from far and near supporting us all the way to hopefully a good positive result.

We’re all very pleased how pre-season has gone there has been a lot of hard work put in behind the seasons by John, Lisa all his staff to making sure we’re ready.

We’ve had a good pre-season under our belts with some impressive performances. All the lads have worked extremely hard and put in serious effort Conor McCormack to be ready for this game. We’re all is kindly sponsored by raring to go.

It’s a very exciting team we have; it’s full of energy, enthusiasm, power, pace and skill to name a few so I am really looking forward to playing with these group of lads. They work tirelessly hard each day in training to make themselves better so it’s a good positive hungry bunch that all want to us to be successful come the end of the season.

I hope before the end of the season

Maroon View 13 Matchday sponsor

Galway Truck Centre was established in 1979. They have a comprehensive knowledge of commercial vehicle operations and the needs of owners and transport managers. For them selling a vehicle is only the beginning of their relationship with the customer. They will do their utmost to ensure the vehicle fulfils the expectations of the customer.

14 Maroon View Matchday sponsor

Galway Truck Centre was established in 1979. They have a comprehensive knowledge of commercial vehicle operations and the needs of owners and transport managers. For them selling a vehicle is only the beginning of their relationship with the customer. They will do their utmost to ensure the vehicle fulfils the expectations of the customer.

Maroon View 15 FEATURE Tom Byrne

@TomJournalism

avid Hurley joins Galway Hurley, a himself, started United after impressing for out in youth football with local side DCobh Ramblers last season. Tramore Athletic, before joining Club reporter Tom Byrne sat down Avondale United after Under-13 level. He with the Cork native to discuss his would later join Ringmahon Rangers and football journey so far, which includes spend three years with the schoolboy playing for Ramblers, representing his club, before moving to First Division country at the University Games, and Cobh, Keane’s one-time club, in 2016. On settling into Galway. the way, he rubbed shoulders with some top talents. Like many youngsters growing up in Cork, David Hurley had one main “I was on the same team as sporting hero. Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher at Ringmahon,” he says. “We won two “It’s always been ,” says leagues, a local cup and got to a national the 22-year-old. “Especially with him final before I moved to Cobh. being from Cork and playing for Cobh Ramblers. I’m a Manchester United “I had just finished at Under-18s with supporter as well, so it was always great Ringmahon and then I joined Cobh’s following Keane from a young age. He academy,” he adds. “I played for Cobh was an unbelievable player.“ Under-19s for a year and a half and

16 Maroon View joined the senior team in 2017. We had a Hurley signed for Galway United in brilliant season with both the Under-19s November 2020, a move Hurley says and the first-team that year. We finished he couldn’t turn down after talking to top of the Under-19 Southern Division, United boss John Caulfield. and second in the First Division with the seniors. I made four appearances for the “John outlined the vision of the first–team that season, so it was a great club to me and it convinced me to join experience for me.” Galway,” he says. “If John is going to do something, it will be a full commitment In all, Hurley would spend four and he will go for it. The objective is seasons plying his trade at senior to get out of this division and win the level at St. Colman’s Park, making 82 league. After talking to John, you get his appearances for the Rams. hunger and desire to win straight away. It really rubs off on you and it was a no- “I had to learn quickly when I brainer to move west. Galway United is made the step up with Cobh,” he says. such a big club, the facilities here are top “Stephen Henderson (Former Cobh class and it is a club that deserves to be coach) was very helpful and kept faith in in the Premier Division.” me which gave me confidence. Hurley has appeared in all three of “I have some great memories of my United’s pre-season games to date, time there. Beating in the EA and has been impressed by Caulfield‘s Sports Cup semi-final in 2018 was the guidance. best moment, it was a brilliant occasion. Playing Derry in the final was also “The training is intense but in a good fantastic, even though it didn’t go the way,” he says. “It was a tough transition way we wanted it to.” from training two or three times a week to training five times a week, but I have Hurley, who attended University adjusted to it now and I have also got to College Cork while playing for Ramblers, know all my teammates. also represented Ireland in the 2019 University Games in Naples, alongside “You learn a lot from John,” he adds. his new Galway United teammate “When he gives you advice, you take it Maurice Nugent. on board. He wants to help you, which will in turn help the team. He’s a manger “It was an honour to represent my whose reputation speaks for itself. All country,” he says. “It was a competitive the players buy into his plans, and we’re environment as well, so it was brilliant. all loving pre-season so far.” The opening ceremony was something special, walking out in the then–San Hurley, who can operate in a number Paolo stadium in front of 40,000 was of positions beyond central midfield, is surreal. keen to take advantage of the full-time training, calling it a “luxury.” “We played countries like Russia, South Korea and Uruguay, teams you “When I finished college I was never get the opportunity to play working full-time in a stock room in against. It was with a group of lads your Cork,” he says. “It was one of those jobs own age too, so we all got along. It was where you were working 8 p.m. to 5 such an experience.” p.m., coming home and then going to training. When you are at training, then,

Maroon View 17 you can’t give 100 per cent as you don’t have your full energy. With full-time training in Galway you have a structure, so there are no excuses not to give 100 per cent and to improve as a player.

“Hopefully I can play as many matches as I can this season and help the team with goals and assists,” he adds. “It’s one of those things, if you can contribute to the team it will help to get us positive results. That’s what it is all about in the end — I’m willing to do any job that the manager asks of me.”

Hurley knows the First Division won’t be an easy one to escape, but is relishing his first campaign in the maroon.

“It is going to be tough this season, there are some very good teams,” he says. “But we are striving to be the best. We want to stay as consistent as possible and get on a run of winning games. Hopefully that will be good enough to earn promotion.

“It has been an unbelievable first few weeks playing for Galway,” he adds, reflecting on his short time in the city to date. “It’s been great getting to know the lads and we are all there to train to the best possible standard that we can. I’m loving it at the moment and hopefully, it can only get better.”

DAVID HURLEY is kindly sponsored by

JULIAN CANNY Galway United Exiles

18 Maroon View Maroon View 19 Aontaithe leis an nGaeilge BERNIE O’CONNELL

s ait an mac an saol. Is dóigh nach raibh tuiscint ceart iomlán ariamh Iagainn ar an seanfhocal go dtáinig cruatan agus aiféis na bliana seo caite aníos orainn.

Léiríonn tubaist na paindéime seo an fulaingt, cruatan, strus agus imní chomh maith leis an gcaillteannas ollmhór nach féidir linn riamh a bheith cinnte faoi aon cheo. Tá muid ag dul i dtaithí ar na cuinsí nua agus ag deighleáil leis más go drogallach agus go faiteach féin é.

Mar fhear a rugadh agus a tógadh i mBarr an Chaladh bhí áit faoi leith ag Páirc Thír Oileáin i mo shaol. Ba mhíorúilt dom nuair a chuaigh Ruagairí na Gaillimhe isteach sa tSraith.

Photo : Sean Ryan 20 Maroon View Chiallaigh sé an t-uafás an céim ollmhór agat le duine, taisteal ní áirím sláinte nó seo. fostaíocht. Tá tábhacht faoi leith ag an spórt sa saol mar bhealach éifeachtach Tá cuimhnithe faoi leith agam ar na chun éalú ó chúraimí an tsaoil. Is sluaite ag bualadh suas An Dyke ar an aisteach an rud é go bhfuil an árdán Domhnach. Bhí laethannta gruama spórt i nGaillimh fágtha don sacair idir go leor sna seachtóidí i nGaillimh ach fir agus mná mar aon le gaiscigh rugbaí d’oscail an aistir sacair seo aislingí agus Chonnachta. spriocanna nua dúinn. Tóg an siúlóid féin suas thar na Plots, abhainn na Duine ar bith a chasann isteach o Coiribe ar chlé, an sean fothrach don fíorúil ag an gcluiche seo idir muid féin Sean Chaisleáin, na hoibreacha uisce agus Shelbourne níl amhras orm go agus imeacht thar títhe na Farrellys agus mbeadh siad i láthair dá bhféadfaidís. muintir Céitinn. Sean suíomhanna don Is maith sin agus léiríonn sé suim agus ach domhain nua ag oscailt istigh agus dílseacht leantóirí. Níl amhras ar bith Gaillimh i lár an aonaigh. Thabharfá ach go bhfuil sár fhoirne in aghaidh a airgid mhór le go mbeadh tú i ndon iad chéile tráthnóna agus súile lucht sacair seo go léir a shiúil agus a roinnt le do na hÉireann ar thoradh an chluiche mar chomh leantóirí inniu. treoir don rás d’ardú céime. Chuir sé iontas ar mhórán gur thit Shels aníos anuraidh, ní bheidh siad ag iarraidh Tá a rithim féin ag an séasúr sacair fanacht i bhfad thíos. agus bíodh sé sa ngeimhreadh nó sa samhradh bhí a chuid aislingí féin Is maith mar atá an réiteach uilig ag gach ceann. T’éis don paindéim a réamh shéasúrach ag dul dúinn faoi theacht chugainn caithfear dearmad a stiúir John Caulfield agus Lisa Fallon. dhéanamh ar sluaite agus comhluadar Ba thubaist pearsannta agus don chlub an pobal peile. Is muid atá buíoch anois an droch ghortú a bhain do Francely as deis ar bith amharc ar bith a fháil Lomboto. Lead óg cumasach a las suas ar ár gcuid laochra.Ba mhaith mar a cluichí go leor anuraidh agus a dhéanfas d’éirigh leis an gclub aiicsean na bliana an méid céanna agus tuilleadh amach as Páirc Eamonn Deacy a thabhairt anseo. Guíonn muid gach rath air. Go chugainn. Is mór linn go bhfuil an deis mba seacht n-uaire níos fearr a bheas sé sin arís againn. an t-am seo an bhliain seo chugainn.

Bhí rudaí simplí ann sa saol nár chuir Cluiche mór le tús a chur le ré nua muid mórán suantas iontu go dtí gur cumasach a chur i stair an chumainn. baineadh dínn iad. Comhluada, sluaite, Traoslaíom leo siúd ar fad atá siopadóireacht, bleid cainte a bheith rannpháirteach i réiteach an chluiche, forbairt an chumainn agus na himreoirí a chaitheann geansaí na Gaillimhe. Sé mo ghuí go bhfíorófar ár gcuid aislingí peile i mbliana. Idir an dá linn fanaimis slán.

Maroon View 21 FIRST TEAM 2021

22 Maroon View FIRST TEAM 2021

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F F A T S Y M E D A C A FIRST TEAM STAFF

UNDER 19 STAFF

UNDER 17 STAFF

UNDER 15 STAFF

24 Maroon View

F F A T S Y M E D A C A FIRST TEAM STAFF

UNDER 19 STAFF

UNDER 17 STAFF

UNDER 15 STAFF

Maroon View 25

F F A T S 4 1 R E D N U

Club Directory

Board of Directors

Jonathan Corbett, Colin Coyle, Ruairi Guckian, Emmett Hartigan, Rosemary Killilea, Stephen Long, Cormac Lyons, Dominick Walsh.

Club Management Structure

Secretary: John Flannery Commercial Manager: Francis Kelly Office Administrators: Damien McEvoy, Brian Mullholland Groundskeeper: Noel Connolly Covid Compliance Officer: Rosemary Killilea Protection of Children: Club Designated Person for Child Welfare – Rosemary Killilea Protection of Children: Club Deputy Designated Person – Stephen Long Club Children’s Officer: Dominick Walsh Supporters Liaison Officer: Dominick Walsh Disability Officer: Emmett Hartigan Events Controller: Peadar Ryan Supporter Travel: Dominick Walsh, Stephen Dowling

26 Maroon View

F F A T S 4 1 R E D N U

Maroon View 27 ood evening and welcome back to a new season. Being involved Gwith the senior team I am very optimistic that the season ahead will be one to remember for Galway United supporters. John has put an excellent structure in place which will ensure that the players at his disposal will be well prepared for the challenges that await.

In the senior squad of 22 players we have a total of eight who have played with our Academy teams and going forward our vision for the Academy is clearly aligned to getting players into the senior team and squad.

Michael Garrighy, Alex Murphy and Aaron Curtis are three additional players Our U19 squad is now led by Brendan on the fringes of the first-team squad O’Connor and his coaching team from the academy. includes Paul Sinnott, Adrian Cronin and John O’Connor. Meanwhile at the Galway United Gerry Heaney is head of our Athletic Academy we have our staff in place for Development and Adrian Cronin is head the new season with some new faces of goalkeeper development. added. Now more than ever, with the Brexit Xavi Vazquez will lead the U14 squad rule not allowing players to sign for assisted by Gary Traynor and Jason players in the UK until they are 18, there Murphy. is an onus on National league clubs to have a plan in place that ensures we Anthony O’Neill has joined the club are maximising the coaching & training and will lead the U15 squad assisted by environment for player development. Michael Flannery and Colm Branagan. The smarter clubs will benefit most Martin Devlin, who has managed the from this new rule and we as a club U15 squad for the past years will lead need to become leaders in this process the U17 squad assisted by Gerry Martin instead of waiting for others to take the and Gerry Heaney. lead.

28 Maroon View Maroon View 29 Photo : Sean Ryan PRE-SEASON REPORTS Tom Byrne

@Ui_Maine Galway United 1 save from . The Donegal outfit Finn Harps 0 continued to press and 21/02/2021 had a big chance on the Eamon Deacy Park 24th minute when a high looping ball into the box “Our football at times was met with a header was very good. Obviously, from Jamie Browne, who there is a lot to work on narrowly headed the ball and our final pass did over the crossbar. let us down at times but overall, I thought there United grew into the was a lot of positives.” game and had a chance in the 26th minute when Galway United began Padraic Cunningham was pre-season with a 1-0 sent in behind the Harps victory over Premier defence but could only Division side Finn Harps head the ball straight at thanks to a Francely the onrushing keeper. Lomboto goal late on in Both teams continued United struck to take the the second half. to attack and either side lead in the 84th minute could have taken the after a back pass error It was evenly contested lead before the interval, from Harps sent Francely in the opening exchanges, with efforts from Karl Lomboto in on goal and with both sides having O’Sullivan for Harps and the striker finished coolly a fair share of the ball. Colin Kelly for United, but passed the Finn Harps The first real opportunity it remained scoreless at keeper. of the game came the the half-time break. way of United in the The home side retained 17th minute. Defender After a number of their one goal advantage Gary Boylan found Ruairi changes on either side, for the last five minutes Keating with a long ball the second half began. and held on for a well- over the opposition The first chance of the earned victory on the defence and the forward second half came in the opening day of pre- attacked down the wing 54th minute when Harps season. and tried to find Padraic striker Sean Boyd had Cunningham in the a powerful strike just John Caulfield’s post- box, but the Finn Harps outside the area superbly match reaction: defence was able to block saved by Kevin Horgan. the attempted effort. Finn The most important Harps first chance of the The following twenty thing was that we wanted match came in the 21st minutes was once again to give everyone a game minute when Adam Foley an even affair, with little so the majority of the took a shot just outside clear cut chances coming squad got 45 minutes and the box and forced a the way of both sides as some lads got more, but fantastic one-handed both defences held firm. we were just very happy

30 Maroon View Photo : Vinny O’Connor Vinny : Photo to get a game under our effort in and show a good Team: belt. attitude. A lot of work to be done and that’s what First Half Starting XI It was one of those we will be doing over the C Kearns, C Horgan, games where Finn Harps next week and a half.” M Nugent, G Boylan, and we were both trying S Walsh, C Kelly, out different things but C Ubaezuonu, S the lads worked very Christopher, M Rowe, P hard which is great and Cunningham, R Keating that is all I can ask for. Sometimes in these 2nd Half – Starting XI games, it is not about K Horgan, C Horgan, the result, it is just about M Nugent, K Brouder, getting the performance M Rowe, S Duggan, D in. Hurley, C McCormack, M Place, F Lomboto, W “Our football at times Waweru was very good. Obviously, there is a lot to work on Subs: and our final pass did 72′ Mikie Rowe Off / let us down at times but Stephen Christopher On overall, I thought there | Christopher Horgan OFF was a lot of positives.” – Ethan Connolly On | “It is difficult when you Stephen Christopher OFF are mixing up the team – Liam Corcoran ON but all I ask of the lads is to go out there, but the

Maroon View 31 Photo : Sean Ryan PRE-SEASON REPORTS Tom Byrne

Galway United 1 raised, Cunningham SLIGO ROVERS 1 was adjudged to have 03/03/2021 drifted off-side. Midway Eamon Deacy Park through the half, Conor McCormack was forced The whole team off due to an arm injury played well and after a clash in the middle there were a lot of of the park. Caoilfhionn “ O’Dea replaced the positives. There is still a lot to work on but midfielder. we did create chances which we could have The rest of the half taken but it is just a lacked any clear cut friendly match and it is opportunities as both all about building up to teams settled into some the start of the season bouts of possession, against Shelbourne.” – United did have a chance John Caulfield, Manager. to double their lead in the 44th minute when United were quick out Stephen Walsh had a Kearns to keep United in of the blocks and opened glancing header cleared front. the scoring in the second off the line following minute thanks to a a corner kick. There United made six Padraic Cunningham goal. were no substitutions changes midway through Conor O’Keeffe lifted at half-time as United the second half as a pass down the right- lined up with the same Stephen Christopher, wing to Ruairi Keating team after the break. Carlton Ubaezuonu, and the forward found The first opportunity of Wilson Waweru, Francely Cunningham with a low the second half came Lomboto, Christopher driven cross into the the way of Keating in the Horgan and Mikey Place penalty area which the 55th minute. Cunningham all entered the pitch striker coolly slotted past glanced a header in Following an error from McGinty. behind the Sligo defence United, Sligo scored an and Keating showed a equaliser against the run United continued to real turn of pace to get in of play in the 71st minute press and in the ninth behind but the striker was when striker Johnny minute Keating, who unable to hit the target as Kenny headed past looked lively up front, he shot his attempt over Kearns from close range. slipped a lovely pass the crossbar. through to O’Keeffe Sligo continued to grow who found Cunningham Sligo’s first real into the game and could with a pin-point cross. opportunity of the game have taken the lead in Cunningham headed came in the 58th minute the 77th minute when the ball past McGinty when an attempted effort Kenny was slipped in on but the linesman’s from outside the box goal but his effort sailed flag was already was well saved by Conor over the crossbar. The

32 Maroon View Photo : Vinny O’Connor Vinny : Photo

that we worked on in the scoreline remained level Team: last ten days came off. at the full-time whistle as United continued pre- Starting XI “The whole team season with a positive played well and there C Kearns, C O’Keeffe, S performance against a were a lot of positives. Walsh, G Boylan, D Hurley, Premier Division outfit. There is still a lot to work M Nugent, R Keating, M on but we did create Rowe, P Cunningham, C Post-match reaction McCormack, S Duggan chances which we could from John Caulfield: have taken but it is just Subs: a friendly match and it is “I am very happy all about building up to with today’s game, it 26′ C McCormack Off the start of the season / Caoilfhionn O’Dea was a great workout. against Shelbourne. The On | 51′ M Rowe Off / Sligo were very strong team tired a little bit S Doherty On | 67′ P and made us work hard in the second half and Cunnigham, R Keating, but we did very well and S Walsh, C O’ Dea, D we made a number of played some fantastic Hurley, C O.Keeffe Off / C changes which can effect football. We got a brilliant Ubaezuonu, W Waweru, the fluency but the most goal and had another F Lomboto, C Horgan, M important thing is that two or three chances in Place On | 78′ S Doherty the team got good game Off / C Kelly the first half which we time. We look forward to could have scored. But the game which overall, the attitude and will give the players a the effort from the lads chance to get more match was brilliant. You could minutes again.” definitely see the stuff

Maroon View 33 Photo : Sean Ryan PRE-SEASON REPORTS Tom Byrne

@Ui_Maine LONGFORD TOWN 1 striker had a superb run through the opposition’s Galway United 2 defence in the 42nd 06/03/2021 minute and found Carlton City Calling Stadium Ubaezuonu with a backheel inside the area. Certainly in the But Ubaezuonu fired his second half we were shot over the crossbar “playing better, the after an impressive two lads got great goals nutmeg past the Longford and overall I am happy. defender. It is another game under our belt and we The game remained move onto training scoreless at the half-time on Monday.” – John break as both sides lacked Caulfield, Manager quality in front of goal, United looking the most United continue their dangerous in attack. pre-season with an impressive 2-1 away There were no Keating made an victory over Premier substitutions for United instant impact to double Division side Longford at half-time as they lined United’s lead in the 68th Town at . up with the same team in minute when he finished the second half. emphatically past Kelly The opening exchanges after a back-pass error in the game were scrappy United started the from Longford Town. as both sides struggled to half superbly when they keep possession at times. scored straight after the The game came to life break in the 46th minute. when Longford Town The first opportunity Lomboto, who looked responded immediately of the match came the dangerous up front all to United’s goal as way of United in the game, latched onto a Dean Byrne controlled 29th minute. After a breaking ball inside the the ball inside the area Longford Town error, penalty area and fired and finished past Kevin Francely Lomboto had a past Longford keeper Horgan to reduce the clear opening on goal but Michael Kelly to make it deficit in the 70th minute. the striker was unable 0-1. to pull the trigger as Byrne almost scored the Longford defence United made four again a few moments recovered just in time. substitutions midway later when he had an through the second half effort from outside of the Lomboto’s pace as David Hurley, Padraic box go narrowly wide of caused real problems Cunningham, Ruairi Horgan’s post. for the Longford back- Keating and Gary Boylan line throughout the first joined the action. Cunningham and 45 minutes. The young Keating almost got

34 Maroon View Photo : Vinny O’Connor Vinny : Photo

United’s third goal of the half but at the same time, Team: game towards the end of I felt we created four the match. Cunningham great chances. First Half Starting XI hit the post in the 80th C Kearns, C Horgan, minute and Keating shot “Certainly in the M Nugent, G Boylan, narrowly wide from a second half we were S Walsh, C Kelly, tight angle just before the playing better, the two C Ubaezuonu, S full-time whistle. lads got great goals and Christopher, M Rowe, P overall I am happy. It is Cunningham, R Keating United held out to another game under our earn a well deserved and belt and we move onto 2nd Half – Starting XI impressive away pre- training on Monday.” K Horgan, C Horgan, season victory against M Nugent, K Brouder, Longford Town. M Rowe, S Duggan, D Hurley, C McCormack, Post-match reaction M Place, F Lomboto, W from John Caulfield: Waweru

“I think it was another Subs: really good work out. All 72′ Mikie Rowe Off / the players that didn’t Stephen Christopher On start the other day got | Christopher Horgan OFF game time, which was – Ethan Connolly On | very important. Stephen Christopher OFF – Liam Corcoran ON “Longford dominated possession in the first

Maroon View 35 Photo : Sean Ryan PRE-SEASON REPORTS Tom Byrne

@Ui_Maine Bohemians 2 powerful strike. Galway United 1 21/02/2020 A few moments later, United almost took the Eamon Deacy Park lead when Shane Doherty raced onto a ball in Bohemians upped behind the Bohemians the tempo in the defence but the attacker’s “second half but attempted finish was I thought we still cleared off the line by played well. We were Anto Breslin. disappointed with the goals but the lads kept The Tribesmen going until the end and continued to threaten got the goal” – John the Bohemians goal. Caulfield, Manager. Further chances fell to Stephen Walsh and Shane United defeated by Doherty mid-way through Bohemians at a wet and the first half, Doherty windy Eamonn Deacy coming the closest with a began to grow into the Park. header that hit the post. game. The rain poured down A tale of two halves on Corribside as United The deadlock was tonight in Eamonn proceeded to look lively broken in the 67th minute Deacy Park, it was evenly up-front. Bohemians when Liam Burt took a contested in the opening were struggling to deal speculative effort from exchanges as both sides with United’s high tempo. 35 yards out which Conor had an even share of Kearns was unable to possession, with John Both Thomas Oluwa save. A superb strike Caulfield’s side looked and Keating came close from the midfielder. well capable of matching before the end of the half Bohemians doubled their the visitors in pace and but their efforts hit the lead two minutes later possession. side netting. It remained thanks to an Oluwa goal level at the half-time in the 69th minute. Oluwa The first opportunity interval, United looking headed the ball into the of the game came the the more dangerous out back of the net from a way of United in the of the two sides. free that Kearns was ninth minute. Ruairi unable to gather. Keating had a menacing There were no run down the wing and substitutions for United Bohemians started found Shane Duggan in at half-time as they lined to control exchanges as the penalty area. Duggan up with the same team their Premier Division laid the ball off to Padraic in the second half. The experience was starting Cunningham at the edge opening interchanges to show. Conditions were of the box and the striker of the second half were also beginning to get tested James Talbot with a more even as Bohemians treacherous as the rain

36 Maroon View Photo : Vinny O’Connor Vinny : Photo continued to lash down. but the lads worked very Team: hard. United grabbed a Starting XI consolation goal just “The conditions were C Kearns, C O’Keeffe, before the full-time desperately difficuly but S Walsh, M Nugent, R whistle in the 91st they were difficult for Keating, S Duggan, P minute. Place scoring both sides. Bohemians Cunningham, D Hurley, from an indirect free- upped the tempo in the S Doherty, C Horgan, C kick after Hurley laid it second half but i thought McCormack off to the forward inside we still played well. We the box. Bohemians were disappointed with Subs: held onto their one-goal the goals but the lads 75′ P Cunningham, R advantage as the full-time kept going until the end Keating, S Doherty Off / M whistle came soon after. and got the goal. Place, F Lomboto, C Kelly Another productive work- On | 87′ C McCormack Off out for United who may “It was a great work- / C O’Dea On feel unlucky to lose this out once again and I am pre-season game. very happy with that.

Post-match reaction “The main thing from John Caulfield: is that our football is very good and overall “Bohemians are a top it is going to be a huge team. First half I thought season for us and highly we played really well, we competetive.” had a good few chances and could have scored

Maroon View 37 MEET THE OPPOSITION JOHNNY WARD

@Ui_Maine travelled to places I otherwise would never have seen, and have many happy memories.

What do you make of the management team?

Again, a little frustratingly, it seems stronger than last year. Jay McGuinness was a big loss from the staff when he left in 2019. The management team was a bit light on experience last year, Alan Reynolds has come in and replaced Craig Sexton. A solid appointment, who will create a good atmosphere and get the very week we’ll meet a rival fan players to buy in. to get some lowdown. Tonight Ewe talk to Shelbourne supporter Are things solid off the pitch? Darren Cleary. The club is in better shape than it has What do you make of Shels’ chances been for almost two decades, it makes this season? relegation all the more galling. It feels like we sleepwalked into relegation, The squad assembled by Ian Morris never particularly fearful of the drop, is very impressive: the spine is a lot looked to have enough quality to stay stronger than the one that was at the up, seemed safe after the win over Sligo club for last year’s Premier Division with two league games remaining, and campaign, which brings with it its own then came capitulation. There are about frustrations. Why did we enter into 450 season ticket holders, the club that campaign without significantly shop is doing a roaring trade, by every strengthening? Attacking-wise in measurable metric the club is in good particular, Shels are a lot stronger. Those shape. who left have been replaced with the likes of Yoyo Mahdy, who is one of the Who should we be looking out for? most highly-rated young forwards in the country and wasn’t short on options Ryan Brennan has that spark, fully after leaving UCD. Michael O’Connor and fit he’ll be a handful. If Yoyo Mahdy Glen McAuley could play a key role, and and Michael O’Connor can strike up a the experience of , Ryan partnership it should be guaranteed Brennan, and Luke Byrne is huge. goals. Between himself and Colm Whelan they got 30 goals in 18 games for How long are you supporting the UCD last season. team? Do Shels have a weak link? Shels has been part of my life since I was a kid. I’ve made friends for life, We were very poor defensively on

38 Maroon View Ryan Connolly in action against Shlebourne on 17th October 2014. United won 2-0 in the first leg of our promotion playoff. Photo : Steve Alfred

second balls and dealing with danger doors is awful, without supporters in our own six-yard box last season. it’s a soulless and vapid experience. If that hasn’t been fixed something is It wasn’t until it was all stripped back desperately wrong. that I realised that what made it such an important part of my life wasn’t the What’s your prediction? actual 90 minutes of watching two teams scrap, but everything that comes with Our last match ended 5-2 but could that night. have ended 6-6. I’m going 1-0 Shels, Yoyo to open his account. Who at Galway are you afraid of?

Will you be at the match? Trying to shake off the PTSD of last year’s cup pasting, if I never see Ronan I will, luckily as part of the Shels media Manning again it will be too soon! team I was privileged to get to all of our Ubaezuonu could have a big year, he games last season. I shouldn’t say it has the attributes. Always liked the look because I don’t want to seem ungrateful. of him. I hear good things about Mikey I know people would do anything to be Place as well. at the games. But football behind closed

Maroon View 39 TED WITH PADRAIC COLLINS & JULIAN CANNY GALWAY UNI GOALS & ASSISTS 2020 HEAD TO HEAD DIVISION 1 TABLE P W D L F A D PTS 1 Athlone Town 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GALWAY UNITED -V- SHELBOURNE FC 2 Bray Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Cabinteely 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Cobh Ramblers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PLAYED WON DRAW LOST 5 Cork City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Galway United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Shelbourne 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73 17 18 38 8 Treaty United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 UCD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Wexford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST FORM HOME FORM AWAY 86 128 LWDWL WLLLL FIXTURES Bray Wanderers V Treaty United

FIRST DIVISION RECORDS Galway United V Shelbourne Cork City V Cobh Ramblers PLAYED WON DRAW LOST UCD V Athlone Town 10 1 1 8 Wexford V Cabinteely

GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST 8 21 TOP GOALSCORERS - 2020

POSITION LAST PLAYED POSITION Y. Mahdy UCD 15 C. Whelan UCD 14 GUFC 2-5 SFC - - M. Doyle Drogheda 13 0PTS 28-8-2020 0PTS

0 - 1 33' D. Rooney B. Kavanagh Shamrock II 9 E. Curran 52' 1 - 1 R. Manley Longford 9 1 - 2 71' C. Kilduff M. Place 73' 2 - 2 R. Manning Athlone 8 2 - 3 79' R. Brennan 2 - 4 84' D. Rooney G. Shaw Bray 8 2 - 5 90' A. Dobbs D. Lynch Bray 6 AVERAGE AGE BIGGEST VICTORY 2020 S. Verdon Longford 6 23.4 24.9 2-6 2-5 S. Barnes Cabinteely 5 V LONGFORD V GALWAY UNITED B. Bermingham Drogheda 5 TOP GOALSCORERS 2020 L. Kerrigan UCD 5 MIKEY PLACE - 4 GARY DEEGAN - 3 K. Fitzsimons Wexford 4

40 Maroon View TED GALWAY UNI GOALS & ASSISTS 2020

Maroon View 41 LOOKING AT NUMBERS SHANE CROT T Y

hen looking at a football games, form could have been patchy statistic, it makes me but thankfully our end of season made Wthink in one of two ways. It up for the poor start. Changes in confirms what I thought, backing up management, personnel and systems my preconceived bias I have about made any combinations between a team or player. The other thing it players less obvious. shows me is the gap between what I think and the reality. For me the two standouts are Shane Duggan and Marc Ludden. Duggans 2 You don’t need to look at stats to see goals and 6 assists in 18 appearances is the impact John Caulfields tenure has indicative of his influence on our game, had on Galway United results. While the particularly in the second part of the sample size is still small, in the 13 games season. Indeed it was his late equalising he has been in charge, we have won goal against UCD that brought us to the over 60% of the games with just under playoffs. His strength of character and 2 goals per game on average. 2020 was never say die attitude will be one of our not a normal year for anyone and of all greatest assets this season. teams, our form both before and after the 4 month break in the middle of the Mr. Consistent, Marc Ludden has season, epitomises this. left us for pastures new. His ability to connect across the team will be tough to In total we played 22 games, winning replace, along with his long throw ability. 10 (45%) , drawing 6 (27%)and losing 6 One player I think may fill this void is (27%) scoring 32 goals(1.45 per game) Stephen Christopher. With 3 goals and and conceding 26 goals(1.18 per game). 3 assists, on-field relationships with the Comparing this to the average over likes of Shane Duggan and Mikie Place the last 4 seasons it shows a slight seems to be building. His drive and improvement across results and goals energy will serve us well. scored and conceded. With Caulfield this is P13 W8(62%) D1(7%) L4(31%) with 25 Mikie Place has a big year ahead. goals for (1.92 per game) and 17 goals There is no doubting he has the skill against (1.31 per game). and a steel to his game so hopefully he can push on. With 4 goals and a couple Two games have skewed these of assists, he has connected well with numbers, the 5-2 defeat to Shelbourne many players but 2 assists from the in the cup and the 6-2 victory over frighteningly talented Francely Lomboto Longford but even by removing these could be the start of an exciting the signs of improvement are there. Like partnership up front. all cycles in sport, our current upward trajectory is an opportunity for United to Like many clubs in the League of re-establish ourselves in a better place. Ireland with a high turnover of players from season to season, predictions From the players point of view, such based on stats is a fool’s errand. a truncated and fractured season Just 11 of our 24 players were in last was difficult. Without a proper run of season’s squad . An average age of less

42 Maroon View Year P W D L F A 2020 22 10 6 6 32 26 % 45.45 27.27 27.27 1.45 1.18 2019 31 10 5 16 43 47 % 32.26 16.13 51.61 1.39 1.52 2018 31 12 12 7 46 39 % 38.71 38.71 22.58 1.48 1.26 2017 40 11 16 13 54 56 % 27.50 40.00 32.50 1.35 1.40

Avg. 2017 - 2020 35.98 30.53 33.49 1.42 1.34

GUFC Under John Caulfield P w D L F A 13 8 1 4 25 17 61.54 7.69 30.77 1.92 1.31

than 23.5yrs, we find ourselves with a youthful attacking squad assembled by Caulfield.

Galways own Wilson Waweru is another player I am hoping to establish themselves in the starting XI. He faces competition from the returning Cunningham, Keating and Kelly. Can he add to his 3 goals from last year and put himself ahead of the pack?

John Caulfield has set his standards incredibly high this year and when Waweru’s chance comes, he will need to take it.

Maroon View 43 FOR THE RECORD julian canny

elcome to the 1555th this again but those late ‘80s/early ‘90s competitive match at senior years will be tackled next week. Wlevel for the club! This raises an important point. We’re About a month ago I embarked on a very easily influenced when we’re project I had threatened to take on for younger and something as simple as years: putting together a record of all seeing myself in the background of a Galway Rovers/United matches since photo over 30 years ago gave me an joining level for the attachment to the club that I’ve never 1976/’77 League Cup. lost. Get them in young!

At this stage I’m pretty confident I hope to complete the whole project that my record of 1554 matches, 508 by the end of May, as once I reach the wins, 406 draws and 640 defeats is mid-’90s and the age of the internet correct, but there have been a few false there will be far more resources dawns. The latest unearthed matches available to me. were from the League of Ireland Shield competition in the 1983/’84 season; Once complete I will share the records according to Wikipedia this competition in a series through the programme didn’t happen! (Updating Wikipedia has - looking at all our player records - been put on hold!) from Kevin Cassidy with over 300 appearances down to the one-hit A quick question to think about: which wonders! club have we played most often? So back to my question earlier: the The next stage of the project has been answer is Athlone Town who we have to fill in all the line-ups and goalscorers. met 101 times in competitive fixtures This task has involved reading through with a record of 39 wins, 30 draws and newspaper archives and reading match 32 losses. For those with good memories reports from each of the 1550 matches. the 1996/’97 season saw us meet seven This is incredibly time consuming but times in three different competitions. rewarding too. Some gems have been unearthed If anyone would like to revive including goals scored against us by memories from their very first match future Irish footballing legends, Paul feel free to contact me at cannyjf@ McGrath and Ronnie Whelan. gmail.com and I will see if I can find the old match reports. I also came across match reports from the first match attended by the programme editor, which brought back memories. Personally I remember seeing an action-shot from one of my first games being printed in the Galway Advertiser and I could see myself in the background; I have yet to come across

44 Maroon View Maroon View 45 46 Maroon View Maroon View 47 48 Maroon View U19 Southern Division Results Bray Wanderers 4 - 1 Drogheda United P W D L F A D PTS Shelbourne 7 - 0 Limerick 1 Shelbourne 27 19 3 5 50 19 31 60 Athlone Town 2 - 2 Galway United 2 Drogheda United 27 16 3 8 59 36 23 51 Wexford 1 - 2 Cabinteely 3 Longford Town 27 16 3 8 41 23 18 51 Cobh Ramblers 1 - 3 Longford Town 4 Cabinteely 27 14 8 5 39 28 11 50 5 Bray Wanderers 27 14 4 9 44 26 18 46 U19 Southern Division Fixtures 6 Cobh Ramblers 27 8 7 12 38 51 -13 31 Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United 7 Galway United 27 7 5 15 36 42 -6 26 Shelbourne -v- Limerick 8 Athlone Town 27 4 6 17 30 61 -31 18 Athlone Town -v- Galway United 9 Wexford 27 2 5 20 22 65 -43 11 Wexford -v- Cabinteely 10 Limerick 27 10 6 11 33 41 -8 10 Cobh Ramblers -v- Longford Town

U19 Southern Division Results Bray Wanderers 4 - 1 Drogheda United P W D L F A D PTS Shelbourne 7 - 0 Limerick 1 Shelbourne 27 19 3 5 50 19 31 60 Athlone Town 2 - 2 Galway United 2 Drogheda United 27 16 3 8 59 36 23 51 Wexford 1 - 2 Cabinteely 3 Longford Town 27 16 3 8 41 23 18 51 Cobh Ramblers 1 - 3 Longford Town 4 Cabinteely 27 14 8 5 39 28 11 50 5 Bray Wanderers 27 14 4 9 44 26 18 46 U19 Southern Division Fixtures 6 Cobh Ramblers 27 8 7 12 38 51 -13 31 Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United 7 Galway United 27 7 5 15 36 42 -6 26 Shelbourne -v- Limerick 8 Athlone Town 27 4 6 17 30 61 -31 18 Athlone Town -v- Galway United 9 Wexford 27 2 5 20 22 65 -43 11 Wexford -v- Cabinteely 10 Limerick 27 10 6 11 33 41 -8 10 Cobh Ramblers -v- Longford Town

U15 Division Results Bray Wanderers 4 - 1 Drogheda United P W D L F A D PTS Shelbourne 7 - 0 Limerick 1 Shelbourne 27 19 3 5 50 19 31 60 Athlone Town 2 - 2 Galway United 2 Drogheda United 27 16 3 8 59 36 23 51 Wexford 1 - 2 Cabinteely 3 Longford Town 27 16 3 8 41 23 18 51 Cobh Ramblers 1 - 3 Longford Town 4 Cabinteely 27 14 8 5 39 28 11 50 5 Bray Wanderers 27 14 4 9 44 26 18 46 U15 Division Fixtures 6 Cobh Ramblers 27 8 7 12 38 51 -13 31 Bray Wanderers -v- Drogheda United 7 Galway United 27 7 5 15 36 42 -6 26 Shelbourne -v- Limerick 8 Athlone Town 27 4 6 17 30 61 -31 18 Athlone Town -v- Galway United 9 Wexford 27 2 5 20 22 65 -43 11 Wexford -v- Cabinteely 10 Limerick 27 10 6 11 33 41 -8 10 Cobh Ramblers -v- Longford Town

Maroon View 49 Photo : Vinny O’Connor

50 Maroon View Maroon View 51 52 Maroon View Maroon View 53 MMAEETTCH TH MASCOE OPPOSTS ITION jOHNNY WARD

Name: Naoise Crotty Age: 4 years old From : Nun’s Island, Galway. Hobbies: Super Mario Lego, music, exploring & having the craic! Favourite thing about Galway United: Terry the Tiger is so cool! I love looking through the gate when we are passing the stadium on the way up Nana’s house. I can’t wait to go in.

54 Maroon View would you Like to be one of our virtual match mascots please email us on [email protected]

Maroon View 55 MIND YOUR NOGGIN

56 Maroon View oggin Sport are two brothers The conneciton betweeen mental who are dedicated to raising health and excercise is well known. Nawareness of mental health in What are your experiences of the sport. benefits and what should people avoid? They’re a Community Interest Company, where the profits we make go Exercise is a great tool to use to straight into supporting mental health release endorphins, have a positive awareness projects across the UK & release of dopamine and enjoy yourself Ireland. around your friends in a competitive environment. Since lockdown it will be Noggin create custom hats and masks evident that we have maybe lost a step for teams, universities and businesses or a yard of pace. By slowly working back to help spark a conversation on mental into a routine and training regularly, health. Their aim is to keep heads in the you will be able to quickly get back up to game for as long as possible through speed and be at your best. The first few the creation of a unique headwear sessions will always be the hardest! range, designed to share and promote the positive effects of mental health awareness.

We’ve recently donated £2000 to charities on behalf of our #BobbleMyNoggin competition winners. Really recently we donated €500 to Pieta House. We were also involved with Dublin’s FM104 Mind Your Noggin day which raised over €23,000.

Kieran from Noggin Sportspoke to Maroon View and offers this advice.

What practical advice would you give to younger readers about dealing with the current lockdown and the future?

Have empathy towards yourself - Try to understand that what you see on social media is not what is happening in real life.

We can all very easily get engrossed by social media and the view of ourselves can quickly become distorted as we compare ourselves to those around us.

Maroon View 57 RIP Frank worthington

Maroon View would like to extend its sympathies to the family of Frank Worthington who passed away this week. Frank played just twice for Galway United in 1989 against St Patricks Athletic and tonights opponents Shelbourne FC. He made over 840 appearances between 1966-1992 making his name with Huddersfield Town , Leicester City and Leeds United. The photo also features Stephen Lally.

58 Maroon View TWITTER WITH KEVIN BRETT

Jack @Jack16Lynch: Not the way we wanted sign for @GalwayUnitedFC. Can’t wait to get it to end but that’s football. A season I don’t going now think I’ll ever forget with probably the best dressing room I’ve been a part of. We’ll be Marc Ludden @marc_ludden: All the best to back. @GalwayUnitedFC for the future #gufc #3

Vinny Faherty @vinnyfaherty: All good Lisa Fallon @lisafallonsport: Very grateful things come to an end for this opportunity. It’s been a long road and Ruairí Keating @RuairiKeating: Best of really looking forward to seeing the footballs luck Vinny, legend rolling in pre-season! Padraic Cunningham @PadraicCun: Plea- Rob Carr @Rob_Carr: This is a incredibly sured to learn from you. Happy retire- impressive appointment. United really ment boss mean business this year… @ShaneKeegan81: An out Marc O’Reachtaire @o_reachtaire: Wow and out gent who had a fantastic career. that CV is impressive, she has no business I reckon we’ll see plenty more of ya in being in this division really some form or another yet Vin Gavan Holohan @Gav_Holohan34: What Conor McCormack @ConorMc22: Delighted a servant to the LOI, an absolute plea- to join @GalwayUnitedFC Big thanks to John sure to share a dressing room with you and all the board for the hard work they put vinchenzo. Happy retirement my man in to make this happen. Looking forward to Con Murphy @ConMurphySport: Con- getting started already grats on a fantastic career Vinny. See you Vinny O’Connor @VinnyGUFC: Delighted. at a match soon What a player and figure to bring into the Mayor Mike Cubbard @Mcubbard: All club. I hated when we faced Conor in the the best Vinny. Legend over the years games against Cork City - He’s a leader, and no doubt passed on some excellent tenacious, an absolute winner, and a pest advice to the next generation on the pitch. He’s a player we’ve badly needed for a few years. This signing will Padraic Cunningham @PadraicCun: drive us forward. Delighted to be back at @GalwayUnitedFC. Damien Costello @damo_costello: Great Looking forward to getting going!! Hopefully work by #GUFC and JC to get this deal be a good year! done. To entice a player of this quality to the first division is some feat. He is a FAIreland @FAIreland: What a night for Ryan proven winner and leader. He has won Manning as he makes his senior international pretty much everything domestically apart debut from a first division which will hopefully be Age | 24 corrected this year. A former @FAISchools and #IRLU19 Interna- Tom Timothy @GUFC1977: The biggest tional POTY signing we have made since @GalwayUnit- #IRLU21 Apps | 9 edFC signed Neville Steadman from Sham- #IRLU21 Goals | 3 rock Rovers back in the 1980’s. I wonder A product of @MervueUnitedAFC and @Gal- does he have the same dress sense!!! wayUnitedFC, and now at @SwansOfficial Ronan Coleman @coleman_ronan: Barce- Shane Doherty @shanedoh_: Great feeling to lona FC wishes to confirm that the club has be back #GUFC agreed a deal with Galway United for the transfer of Lionel Messi. We would like to Mikie Rowe @MikieRowe10: Buzzing to be thank Lionel for his service to the club and back in the League of Ireland and excited for wish him every success for the future. the new challenge ahead #GUFC Terry The Tiger @TheGalwayTiger: Lionel gonna find it difficult to get a game with David Hurley @davidhurley98: Delighted to Podge and Wilson up front!

Maroon View 59 FROM THE ARCHIVE PAUL O’BRIEN

60 Maroon View Galway United V Finn Harps Carpenter, Noel Mernagh, John Mannion, Saturday April 3rd, 1993, Stephen Lally, Eugene Hallion RIP. Terryland Park. The other players in the squad were Eamonn Sherlock, Donal Murray, Damien he one and only time that Murphy, Terry O’Regan, Mick Lawlor, Paul Galway United won the First Reidy, Mark Devlin, Jimmy Nolan, Mick Division. Tony Mannion’s team Sheehan, Kevin Cassidy, Tommy McDonald T & Paul Henry. were promoted with 6 points to spare. Paul McGee played 16 games for Galway The 1993 First Division winning team United before moving to Finn Harps. He was managed byTony Mannion. He also scored 10 goals for United before he moved. managed the club to our two highest finishing positions in the Premier Division; Noel Mernagh, Galway United captain, runners-up in 1986 and third in 1994. The with the First Division trophy before the final game was against Finn Harps who game. The trophy was presented by Derek had four ex Galway United players in their Wilkinson from the FAI. squad; Declan McIntyre, Paul McGee, Colm McGonagle and Tommy Keane RIP. The Compiled by Paul O’Brien who is writing Galway United team that were on the front a book about Galway United FC. If you page of the match programme were: have any stories or photos, please email [email protected] or on twitter @ BACK ROW: Pa Dunne, Johnny Kenny, Ollie Cunningham, John Brennan, Ronan GUFCbook Kileen, Keith Lambert, Gerry Mullan,

FRONT ROW: Derek Rogers, Peter

Maroon View 61 UNITED LEGENDS MIKE GERAGHT Y

But there was more to the native than just hard tackles! He MIKO NOLAN was quite the midfield dynamo for Our Lady’s Boys Club in the mid-’70s was at the under-19 final last year alongside other future Galway United when a lady beside me informed stalwarts Kevin Cassidy and John I me that her dad played for Galway Cleary! These guys featured alongside United. “What was his name?” I more other Galway United stars of the asked in the hope that he was one future in Chick Deacy, Tommy Lally, of our most famous players. I wasn’t Jimmy Duffy, and Mickey McLoughlin for disappointed. Galway Town as well as lining out for the Galway & District League at the same “Miko Nolan,” replied his daughter time. Caroline so I immediately asked her if I could do a feature on him. Miko Miko also played Rugby for Boys’ was an original Galway Rovers/United Club and Gaelic football with Fr Griffin’s legend. This guy was teak-tough. Having where he won County Senior Football being brought up in an era of watching Championships and a Connacht Club Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and to title. The sporting all-rounder also made a lesser extent Chopper Harris, I was the County Senior Football team and he delighted to witness Miko playing for was on the fringes of the Galway Senior Galway Rovers and Galway United. side defeated by Cork in 1973.

He was very popular around town However, it was Miko’s exploits on because we always love to see a local Galway Rovers’ entry to the League of lad make the team and, along with Chick Ireland that captured the attention of Deacy, Tommy and Tony Murphy, Gerry us football followers! I was there with Daly, Jimmy Duffy, Tommy Lally, Kevin my dad when Galway Rovers took part Cassidy and many other local heroes, in the 1976 Bass League Cup campaign the fans loved Miko Nolan. and played Athlone Town at Terryland. This was the start of a great on/off There was an urban legend that Miko relationship of supporting the lads that practiced his tackles on lamp posts but continues today. I reckon this guy’s tackles had the effect of an earth remover. Amby Fogarty was the manager of Rovers and Trevor Hockey his Athlone When I see Kalvin Phillips and before counterpart. Chick, Cass, Tommy him David Batty and play Murphy, Tony Collins and Jimmy Duffy for Leeds, I appreciate Miko’s value to also played but unfortunately Tommy the side. We all love flair players and was in goal for the midlands team having ball players, goalscorers and intricate trained The Tribesmen. It was a 0-0 draw passers but every team needs someone but a cracking match. who can make that vital tackle, break up the play, win back possession and stop As avid followers of cross-channel an attack to be effective. football many of us were enthralled at the prospect of former Ireland and

62 Maroon View Maroon View 63 Welsh International managers locking hard fought point. The ever-young Amby heads. We knew it was going to be the Fogarty came on as sub and joined Miko start of something special. It was a and Chick in the referees’ book in a good start as Athlone had surprised the blistering duel. mighty AC Milan in a European tie the previous season. Rovers struggled throughout their first season with former Celtic star Tommy John Minnock, who missed a penalty Callaghan being brought in to replace in the match at St Mel’s Park against Amby Fogarty and, with the exception of the Italian giants, caused all sorts of Fran Brennan, it was now an all-Galway- problems for Rovers but some fine based team. In O’Callaghan’s first match goalkeeping by Eddie Wallace kept it the one player who continued to show scoreless. a hunger for the battle, Miko Nolan, was harshly sent off! In the second match Rovers picked up another point, drawing 1-1 away to Finn The team now featured, as well as Harps. Miko moved back from midfield player-manager Callaghan: Tommy to defence and alongside captain Gerry McGrain, brother of Celtic and Scotland Lynskey did a fine job limiting Bomber Legend Danny, with 17-year-old Gerry Bradley to one goal. This guy was a Daly making a huge impression too. veritable goal machine and would go on There was a story at the time that every to be record goalscorer in the League of time Miko bought a new pair of boots Ireland. he scored but unlike tennis star Pete Sampras, who never wore the same Chick scored the Rovers goal to give shirt twice; this proved economically them a shot at a semi-final spot in the unviable for the local sharpshooter and League Cup. Unfortunately Sligo, with the modest club from the west! a raft of professional players, proved a step too far and an early goal from Georgie Quinlivan and Kieran McDaid future Galway United record scorer Paul were two of the top performers as McGee (since overtaken by Alan Murphy) Rovers battled to establish themselves proved decisive. The ever-passionate throughout that second season in Chick got sent off as Rovers valiantly 1978/’79. Miko battled away in midfield tried to claw it back. However, the and Tommy Murphy switched from amateur Rovers mainly selected from centre-back to centre-forward back to local sides had done us proud and Miko midfield and eventually back to centre- was subsequently capped on the Irish back! If Tommy McGrain were compared Junior team versus Wales. with Archie Gemmill then I reckon there must have been something of Graeme The next season Galway Rovers Souness’ style about Miko. entered the League of Ireland but had a poor start. Injury prevented Miko from He was teak tough but had the ability making his League debut until the fifth to score some cracking goals as well as match against Bohemians. This was a create many more, none more famous high-quality side featuring Mick Smyth, than a scorcher against Dundalk in Turlough O’Connor and Eamonn Gregg. 1981 at Terryland as the team trailed I remember watching Chick; he moved by 2-1. Miko hit a screamer past Richie to right-back to check cross-channel Blackmore and the ground erupted! target Gerry Ryan, to literally blank out the jet-heeled winger as Rovers earned a His tough, never-say-die attitude

64 Maroon View Maroon View 65 summed up the core of the Rovers they played for Leeds! Tommy and Tony attitude to senior League of Ireland Murphy, his Rovers teammates, were football. The squad was so wafer-thin his first cousins and he also played that Tommy Lally completed one game Gaelic football for St Michael’s. In 1973 in goal with a broken arm! The rugged as well as being on the Galway senior midfielder got some terrific accolades panel the versatile Tribesman also won for his performances that season: “A County Senior and under-21 Gaelic wholehearted contributor who has football medals with Fr Griffin’s. The added vision to his game with time.” 5’ 9”, 12 stone disco-dancing, midfield Miko was obviously maturing into general’s favourite player was Lou his role in the progression of Galway Macari, who played for his favourite football. He and McGrain became a team, Manchester United. Well nobody very effective duo in the middle of the is perfect Miko! pitch with player/manager Callaghan sweeping up in front of the defence. Former Ireland international full- back John Herrick replaced Tommy In March 1979 the coppersmith from Callaghan; rumours had it that the Scot Balybane gave an interview with a was unceremoniously dumped with a local paper and indicated that he loved note through his letter-box; and believe playing in midfield due to the constant me this guy put the lads through their involvement. He loved attacking football paces in training. He had a fondness for and trained religiously as he felt that led running if my memories from UCG days to consistency of performance. Loyalty are correct! Herrick was player-manager was a huge factor in Miko’s make-up as and well capable of bone-crushing he only played for one junior club OLBC tackles still. with his biggest influences being Billy Carr at junior level and Amby Fogarty Gerry Daly, Carl Humphries, John who gave him his break with Galway Mannion and Mickey McLaughlin were Rovers. all part of a Rovers team that went on an extended run as Herrick set about He felt the league would benefit from turning Terryland Park into a fortress. better pitches and facilities for players Miko battled hard in midfield as the and better refereeing. “I think referees determined Galway side reached the have a very hard job and I would not do League Cup Final against Dundalk, none it for any money because everybody is more so when he powered the midfield against them.” Very true Miko and such to a 2-1 semi-final victory over Thurles a pity that Noel Connolly’s perfect pitch Town at Terryland. Unfortunately Rovers wasn’t there when you were in your were denied a win in the final over two prime! legs. They drew both matches, the first leg at Terryland, losing the second leg on A great fan favourite, Miko admitted penalties at . to being inspired by Liverpool hard-man Tommy Smith even if the Rovers warrior Tommy Lally summed up his all-action felt that he played the game fairly but team-mate’s contribution to the cause: some players overreacted when tackled “People don’t always appreciate Miko’s which in Miko’s opinion defeated the work-rate. He always gives 100 per cent whole purpose of the game. as a wholehearted player in a defensive midfield role. He is a stopper in the I know that Norman Hunter and mould (personally I can’t felt the same thing when think of higher praise!). One aspect of

66 Maroon View his game that is not exploited is Miko’s ability to make penetrative passes forward. He was exceptional at this in junior football but he has not been used to perform this talent at senior level.”

High praise indeed from The Lal! Miko played for Galway Rovers/United from 1976 to 1985 when he guided the reserves to a unique hat-trick of the Connacht Senior League, the League Cup and The Connacht Senior Cup. That was some team featuring the likes of Gerry Daly, Kevin Cassidy, Ricky O’Flaherty, Brian Long and new Irish Youth Cap Johnny Glynn.

Miko became the first Galway United player to be granted a testimonial which speaks volumes for his contribution to establishing Galway in the League of Ireland. For any of us who saw Galway’s entry to the League of Ireland and followed them on wet Sundays, long before we had an elaborate stand, we will never forget the whole-hearted efforts of Miko Nolan.

This article appeared in Issues 1 & 2 of the Maroon View 2020. Both games were cancelled so it has been reproduced here in its entirety.

Maroon View 67 GROUND REGULATIONS All persons entering Eamonn Deacy Park are admitted only subject to the following ground rules and regulations of Galway United FC. Entry to the stadium shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of these rules and regulations.

1. Fireworks, laser pens, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, and other similar articles or containers, including anything which could or might be used as a weapon, are not permitted within the ground, and any person in possession of such an article may be refused entry or ejected from the ground.

2. Offensive banners will be removed and holders of same will be ejected from the ground.

3. The consumption of intoxicating liquors is not permitted and spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground.

4. The climbing of floodlight pylons, stands, fences or other buildings in the ground is forbidden.

5. Unnecessary noise such as that from the use of radio sets and behaviour likely to cause confusion or nuisance of any kind including foul or abusive language is not permitted in any part of the ground.

6. Any person using racist taunts or language or behaving in a manner likely to be deemed racist towards any other person may be refused entry or ejected from the ground. This applies equally to offensive behaviour of any sort.

7. Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any object onto the pitch.

8. Spectators are not permitted to enter upon the field of play and will be ejected.

9. Any person who fails to comply with the instructions from a steward may be ejected from the ground.

10. In general, the right of admission is reserved by Galway United FC.

11. Galway United FC reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person who refuses to be searched by a police officer.

12. Any person who remains in a gangway may be ejected from the ground.

13. Galway United FC reserve the right for its servants or agents to remove from the ground any person who does not comply with the Ground Regulations or whose presence on the ground could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to other spectators. Eamonn Deacy Park is a flare free zone Galway United FC would like to remind patrons that flares and fireworks are not allowed in Eamonn Deacy Park. Not only are flares against ground regulations but they are a serious hazard and threat to your personal safety.

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