Following the shock news that Galway WFC are to depart the Women’s National League at the end of the season, Galway United are exploring the options of providing a future for the women’s game in the county.
In a statement released by the club this afternoon, both Galway United, Luke Comer and the Comer Group, all wish to support the development of the Women’s game in the county at both Senior and underage level.
“Since the announcement, both Galway United and Galway United Friends Co-op members have been contacted by several parties asking if Galway United could step in and build on the great work done by GWFC over the last number of years.”
“Galway United are committed to the development and growth of women’s football in Galway. In addition, Luke Comer and Comer Group have expressed their commitment to support the continuation of women’s football at both senior & underage levels in Galway.”
“We will now begin the process of dialogue with all interested stakeholders, which will require the co-operation of all those in Galway who wish to see elite women’s football thrive in the West.”
When the news broke at the weekend, rumours spiralled that Galway United would be in line to take over, being the obvious candidate having no senior or underage women’s teams in their ranks, both of course represented the county under different branding while playing at Eamon Deacy Park.
The news comes as a positive one for all parties involved, however there will be plenty of obstacles ahead if a Galway United Womens Team is to play a part in the 2023 Women’s National League, currently sat in 5th in the table, all parties involved will hope to remain an active club next season, building on their history in the league.
If Galway United were to succeed and take over the club, they would be the seventh team in the League to have both a men’s and women’s team, with Athlone Town, Bohemians, Cork City, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers and Treaty United already having both teams in active competition.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.