Keith Kelly

Talks about the future of League of Ireland soccer in Galway are to take a major step forward this week when a negotiator appointed by the FAI travels to the city to speak with all interested parties in relation to the future representation of Galway in the League of Ireland.

Former County Manager of Tipperary South Riding, Ned O’Connor, is understood to have been asked by the FAI to meet with Mervue United, SD Galway, the Galway United Supporters’ Trust and the Galway FA this week, and then draw up a blueprint for what he sees as the way forward for the game here in relation to the domestic league.

At present there are two city clubs playing in the League of Ireland, with Mervue United and SD Galway – as Salthill Devon calls its League of Ireland side – playing in the First Division. CEO of the FAI, John Delaney, declined to comment yesterday about the upcoming talks, but it is believed he is the main driving force behind trying to find a solution to the League situation in Galway, which has seen Galway United fold, but Mervue United and SD Galway fail to attract large chunks of United’s support.

While Galway United has all but disappeared from view, the Galway United Supporters’ Trust has maintained a presence since the end of last season, and it received a boost this month when its application to field a side in the First Division of the U-19 League was accepted by the FAI, and will play under the name of Galway United Supporters’ Trust FC at the behest, it is believed, of the FAI.

None of the three clubs contacted yesterday wanted to be drawn on the upcoming meetings, but all did acknowledge the meetings are set to go ahead today and tomorrow.
A spokesperson for Mervue United said the me

etings are “part of the process John Delaney wants to see happen in relation to League of Ireland football in Galway, and all parties will enter the talks in an open and honest manner”.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.