More than one club a 'weakness' in Galway: report

An independent report commissioned by the FAI and presented by Ned O’Connor has found thathaving any more than one senior club in a city of Galway's size would be a ‘systematic weakness’ on both ‘sporting and commercial grounds’.

The report was published this afternoon following consultations between all major stakeholders in local football, including the former Galway United board, GUST, the Galway FA, Mervue United, Salthill Devon / SD Galway and the Chairman and Director of the Airtricity League. 

Discussions began at a meeting with the above stakeholders earlier today to set out how and when solutions to the problem could be made.

Mr O’Connor’s report recommended that a phased approach should be taken towards resolving the problem.

“This includes the eventual setting up a Connaught Senior League, and a Board for the single Galway club composed of a broad spectrum of football and business interests in the Galway area,” an FAI press release stated.

Director of the Airtricity League, Fran Gavin said: "Today's independent report sets out a solution for the issues facing Galway senior football. A first meeting with stakeholders to present the findings was held today and the Association will continue this process in the coming period.

“It is our objective to work with all of the parties involved to reach this long term solution which can and should deliver and healthy sustainable future for senior football in Galway.

"We believe that such a solution must take into account the strength of the sport at grassroots level and needs to create strong cohesion between all strands of the game in the Galway area."