Michael D asks Galwegians to get behind "Summer Soccer Festival"
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Galway United's financial plight is once again under scrutiny as the mid-season point approaches, with the Premier Division club announcing details of a ticket package for the club's next three home games against Cork City, Dundalk, and a friendly versus Millwall, with reductions on offer for those who purchase all three at once.
Labelling it their "Summer Soccer Festival", the club are desperate for all sports supporters in the city and county to come out and get behind Ian Foster's side and reverse the alarming trend of slumping crowds that has hit Terryland Park this year.
To get the message out, the club's President Michael D. Higgins made a guest appearance on Galway Bay FM's Keith Finnegan Show this morning and passionately urged Galwegians to get behind the club once more, before it's too late. The Labour TD asked the followers of all sports in the city to rally behind the club's efforts and was joined by current Galway senior hurling selector, Joe Connolly, who also implored supporters of all codes to pledge their backing.
Obviously in need of an urgent financial injection, amid rumours of a local businessman coming to their rescue in recent weeks, Galway United could well face extinction if their attendances do not improve, a bleak assessment confirmed by Higgins on the radio. Higgins, a regular in Terryland Park, asked for people to get out and experience live sporting events rather than be a slave to the sporting schedule pushed at them by TV.
Whether this venture will have a positive impact on attendances which have struggled to reach the previously stated break-even figure of 1,500 - the last three home league games have fallen below 1,000 - remains to be seen. This time last year, an inability to honour numerous player's full-time contracts saw the club come under fire and a successful struggle to avoid relegation ensued. Now part-time, with a massively reduced budget, and competing better on the field of play where it ultimately should matter most, the struggles to survive continue.
For further details on Galway United's "Summer Soccer Festival", check out www.galwayunitedfc.ie or ring the club office on (091) 767336.
Labelling it their "Summer Soccer Festival", the club are desperate for all sports supporters in the city and county to come out and get behind Ian Foster's side and reverse the alarming trend of slumping crowds that has hit Terryland Park this year.
To get the message out, the club's President Michael D. Higgins made a guest appearance on Galway Bay FM's Keith Finnegan Show this morning and passionately urged Galwegians to get behind the club once more, before it's too late. The Labour TD asked the followers of all sports in the city to rally behind the club's efforts and was joined by current Galway senior hurling selector, Joe Connolly, who also implored supporters of all codes to pledge their backing.
Obviously in need of an urgent financial injection, amid rumours of a local businessman coming to their rescue in recent weeks, Galway United could well face extinction if their attendances do not improve, a bleak assessment confirmed by Higgins on the radio. Higgins, a regular in Terryland Park, asked for people to get out and experience live sporting events rather than be a slave to the sporting schedule pushed at them by TV.
Whether this venture will have a positive impact on attendances which have struggled to reach the previously stated break-even figure of 1,500 - the last three home league games have fallen below 1,000 - remains to be seen. This time last year, an inability to honour numerous player's full-time contracts saw the club come under fire and a successful struggle to avoid relegation ensued. Now part-time, with a massively reduced budget, and competing better on the field of play where it ultimately should matter most, the struggles to survive continue.
For further details on Galway United's "Summer Soccer Festival", check out www.galwayunitedfc.ie or ring the club office on (091) 767336.
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