Volunteer's Corner - Galway United
Credit:
In the first of a new series focusing on the work of volunteers within the League of Ireland, extratime.ie talks to Tommy Shields, Event Controller for Galway United for nearly two decades and a dedicated follower of the Republic of Ireland both home and away.
What made you first become a fan of Galway United?
I had attended Galway Rovers games from 1978 on and off when I lived in Loughrea. In 1980, I moved to Dublin to work and went to all United's games in Dublin. Then, in 1985, a Supporters Club started in Dublin and I met Joe Hanley through this and his love for the club was infectious and I'm hooked since then.
When did you first become involved in the running of the club?
We organised a lot of Fund Raisers for the club in Dublin, and when I returned to Athenry in 1988 I helped set up a supporters club. Around the same time, both myself and Noel Connolly(now Terryland's award-winning groundsman) joined the club committee.
What would be your typical match-day routine for a game at Terryland Park?
Straight from work to Terryland for 5.30pm. Make sure the ground is set up for the match, that all areas are checked to see that all security arrangements are sorted. I then meet all stewards at 6.30pm for a briefing on the match category and their duties. From 6.45pm till 10.30pm, it is my responsibility to ensure that the match is run in a safe environment for all fans and that any eventuality is covered to the best of our ability.
What is the hardest part of the job you do?
Trying to keep everybody happy, sometimes under extremely difficult circumstances, and not being able to enjoy the game.
Who is your favourite Galway United player of all time and why?
I have three. Eamonn "Chick" Deacy, Jimmy Nolan, and Mags (John Mannion). All were players with one common trait - 100% commitment to the cause and not afraid to lay their body on the line for GUFC.
Do you think the League of Ireland is improving as a spectacle i.e facilities, entertainment, etc.?
We are light years ahead of what the League was like when I first got involved with GUFC, when facilities for spectators were non existent, but we still need to improve in all areas. The standard of play has improved.
What more can be done in your opinion to improve attendances?
There is definitely a need for better marketing and advertising, both locally and nationally. Our own League should be filled with local heroes who live in the community and give a lot back. (School visits etc.)
Has hooliganism become an issue in the League or is it being blown out of all proportion?
Yes, it is a problem in my opinion, but if clubs and genuine supporters tackle it head on now we can rid the league of the "Green Street Brigade". It's not, however, as big a problem as some commentators would like to think.
If you could sign one player for your club from within the League, who would it be?
Joseph Ndo, absolute quality, if you keep him free from injury.
Following a great start, how do you think Galway United will fare over the coming season?
I think we will do well this year. Tomorrow night's game is another big test, but I actually think the signings have given us a stronger squad than last season with cover in every position. I have been very impressed with Ian Foster as a manager and he is a genuinely nice guy who deserves a rub of the green.
Become the 12th man of Galway United
Volunteers are currently needed for helping the club on match nights and in the promotion of the lead up to games. Help is also needed in the selling of match programmes, fundraising, half-time entertainment, mascots, putting up posters, looking after sponsors, media liason, & making the tea!
For more information please contact the club via email, or phone the club office on (091)767336. All help is greatly appreciated.
What made you first become a fan of Galway United?
I had attended Galway Rovers games from 1978 on and off when I lived in Loughrea. In 1980, I moved to Dublin to work and went to all United's games in Dublin. Then, in 1985, a Supporters Club started in Dublin and I met Joe Hanley through this and his love for the club was infectious and I'm hooked since then.
When did you first become involved in the running of the club?
We organised a lot of Fund Raisers for the club in Dublin, and when I returned to Athenry in 1988 I helped set up a supporters club. Around the same time, both myself and Noel Connolly(now Terryland's award-winning groundsman) joined the club committee.
What would be your typical match-day routine for a game at Terryland Park?
Straight from work to Terryland for 5.30pm. Make sure the ground is set up for the match, that all areas are checked to see that all security arrangements are sorted. I then meet all stewards at 6.30pm for a briefing on the match category and their duties. From 6.45pm till 10.30pm, it is my responsibility to ensure that the match is run in a safe environment for all fans and that any eventuality is covered to the best of our ability.
What is the hardest part of the job you do?
Trying to keep everybody happy, sometimes under extremely difficult circumstances, and not being able to enjoy the game.
Who is your favourite Galway United player of all time and why?
I have three. Eamonn "Chick" Deacy, Jimmy Nolan, and Mags (John Mannion). All were players with one common trait - 100% commitment to the cause and not afraid to lay their body on the line for GUFC.
Do you think the League of Ireland is improving as a spectacle i.e facilities, entertainment, etc.?
We are light years ahead of what the League was like when I first got involved with GUFC, when facilities for spectators were non existent, but we still need to improve in all areas. The standard of play has improved.
What more can be done in your opinion to improve attendances?
There is definitely a need for better marketing and advertising, both locally and nationally. Our own League should be filled with local heroes who live in the community and give a lot back. (School visits etc.)
Has hooliganism become an issue in the League or is it being blown out of all proportion?
Yes, it is a problem in my opinion, but if clubs and genuine supporters tackle it head on now we can rid the league of the "Green Street Brigade". It's not, however, as big a problem as some commentators would like to think.
If you could sign one player for your club from within the League, who would it be?
Joseph Ndo, absolute quality, if you keep him free from injury.
Following a great start, how do you think Galway United will fare over the coming season?
I think we will do well this year. Tomorrow night's game is another big test, but I actually think the signings have given us a stronger squad than last season with cover in every position. I have been very impressed with Ian Foster as a manager and he is a genuinely nice guy who deserves a rub of the green.
Become the 12th man of Galway United
Volunteers are currently needed for helping the club on match nights and in the promotion of the lead up to games. Help is also needed in the selling of match programmes, fundraising, half-time entertainment, mascots, putting up posters, looking after sponsors, media liason, & making the tea!
For more information please contact the club via email, or phone the club office on (091)767336. All help is greatly appreciated.
About Alan Dooley
is one of Extratime's longest serving contributors. Based in County Galway, Alan has been following the League of Ireland since the mid-1980s. His first memory of the drama of domestic football was Vinny Arkins, then … View Full Profile