Galway United sign Eric Foley

Former Irish underage international Eric Foley has signed with Galway United for the upcoming season.

The midfielder has become the 25^th member of Tommy Dunne’s squad, having left Athlone Town following a difficult First Division campaign in 2015.

United boss Tommy Dunne spotted the 26-year-old in action at the recent FIFAPRO tournament in Norway.

The Dubliner captained the Irish team to a third place finish at the tournament, beating hosts Norway 1-0 in the 3^rd/4^th place play-off, having lost to Sweden on penalties at the semi-final stage.

Having been a product of the Home Farm youth system, Foley received international caps at under 16 and under 17 level, while he also spent three years at Celtic, before returning home in 2009.

He signed for Sporting Fingal shortly after arriving home, winning an FAI Cup medal with the club in the same year, and over the next six years he had spells at Shelbourne, Monaghan United, Drogheda United and most recently in the midlands with Athlone Town.

Foley’s most successful period in Ireland was during his three years with Drogheda United where he won the EA Sports, scoring his side’s third goal in a 3-1 victory against Shamrock Rovers.

Foley made just shy of 50 league appearances for the Boynesiders and also gained a league and FAI cup runners-up medal with the club before he moved onto Athlone in July 2014.

Foley trained with Galway at the turn of the year, but they couldn’t agree a deal until now.

After he’d signed with the Tribesmen, Foley explained: “I trained with Galway United a few weeks ago but at the time, we couldn’t come to an agreement.

“When I went home without signing, I was honestly disappointed. Circumstances were different then and it didn’t suit. It’s very pleasing to get the deal finalised today.”

Foley firmly believes that he’s in the “best shape” of his career and he will add to an already steady looking Galway midfield featuring John Sullivan, Ryan Connolly and Paul Sinnott among others.

The new signing is also striving to consolidate Galway’s position in the top flight and to get the club back to where it was a number of years ago before financial turmoil struck the club.

Foley said: “Hopefully Galway can get back to where they once were, when they had the likes of Stephen O’Donnell and Jay O’Shea in the team. I really feel the club can push on and that’s why I’ve decided to join. I can only see good things for the club in the future and Eamonn Deacy Park is one of the finest grounds in the country to play in.”

He also maintained that Tommy Dunne was a big attraction for him in joining the men from the west.

“Signing for Tommy Dunne was a no-brainer. He tried to sign me previously while I was at Monaghan United and he was Cork City manager, but I wanted to give Premier Division football a go with Monaghan. It was a big regret of mine and when I got the chance to play under Tommy again, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Dunne was in attendance at the tournament in Oslo which Foley featured in, and he was clearly impressed with the midfielder.

“I’ve seen Eric play over the years and I’ve always thought he was a good technical player. I’ve wondered why he hasn’t progressed more in his career. I’m delighted he’s decided to join us and hopefully he realises his potential at Galway United,” Dunne said.

Galway open their 2016 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season away to St. Patrick’s Athletic on the 4^th March, before entertaining Bray Wanderers a week later.