Galway United sign midfielder Joe Collins from local side West United

Galway United have completed the signing of Joe Collins from Galway District League Premier Division side West United.

The 25-year-old Ennis native was previously part of the Oscar Traynor Cup-winning Clare side in 2016 and 2017.

The central midfielder has been training with Galway for a number of months, and now signs for the Tribesman, managed by Alan Murphy, whom Collins previously played alongside at West United.

“Joe is another very good ball-playing central midfielder. He’s very comfortable on the ball and has a great engine,” Murphy told the club’s official website.

“Joe has really been developing strongly as a player over the last number of years with the Clare Oscar Traynor team and then with West United, where he’s been one of the standout players in the Galway District League.

“From playing alongside Joe, I know he’s got the right attitude and is eager to better himself,” Murphy said.

“He’s a leader on the pitch, has a willingness to receive the ball in tight areas and be positive with it.

“The way that Joe plays the game is very much in line with the style that we want to play in the coming season, with a real focus on passing the ball.”

West United wished Collins the best of luck on his move to Galway after he scored in his final game for the club.

“It's great to see our lads stepping up and testing themselves at a higher level,” read a message on the club’s Facebook page.



“Joe follows in the footsteps of many former West players who went on to have successful League of Ireland careers and we hope Joe does likewise.

“We will miss his creative spark and exceptional skill in the Swamp but we hope to see him light up in Eamon Deacy Park in the season ahead.”