Galway United Football Club is a women's football club based in the city of Galway. The team currently compete in the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division. The club is the successor club to Galway W.F.C., with Galway United launching teams at senior, U-19, and U-17 level after Galway W.F.C announced its withdrawal from the Women's National League at the end of 2022.
History
Galway WFC Galway teams had competed in national competitions for a number of years, and Galway W.F.C. joined the Women's National League for the 2013–2014 season.
At the end of 2022, the club announced they had "reluctantly decided not to apply for inclusion in next season's SSE Airtricity Women's National League", due to additional costs. Chair Stephan Moran included in the statement the hope "that other individuals or entities [would] take up the mantle to continue the tradition of senior and underage women's football in Galway in 2023".
Galway United WFC On 13 September 2022, Galway United announced that they were disappointed with the news of Galway W.F.C.'s demise, and would begin a "process of dialogue with all interested stakeholders" to explore options to ensure Galway was represented in women's football and senior and underage levels. On 5 October, the club announced they would be launching women's teams for the first time, entering a senior team in the Women's National League in 2023 and underage teams at u-17 and u-19 level.
Former Galway W.F.C. assistant manager Phil Trill was confirmed as Galway United's first-ever senior women's team manager on 3 December, saying "I’m delighted to have this opportunity. To be the first ever manager to take a women’s team into Galway United is very exciting". Lynsey McKey was confirmed as club captain, with Jenna Slattery and Therese Kinnevey as vice-captains, ahead of the start of the season.
League Galway United played their first official game at home at Eamon Deacy Park on 4 March 2023, losing narrowly to Wexford Youths.
The club finished fourth in its first season in the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division, with midfielder Jenna Slattery being named in the 2023 Premier Division Team of the Year, and forward Jodie Griffin winning the TG4 Goal of the Year award.
The club finished third in its second season in the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division. Julie-Ann Russell was selected as the Player of the Year and Jenna Slattery was awarded the Golden Boot at the 2024 SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Awards. Both Russell and Slattery were named to the 2024 Premier Division Team of the Year along with Kate Thompson.
Notably, Galway United achieved a 5–0 home win against Cork City on 16 March 2024, breaking The SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division attendance record when 2,861 people attended Galway United's win over DLR Waves at Eamonn Deacy Park. It beat the previous record of 1,464 who were at the 2023 clash between Shamrock Rovers and Peamount United.
All Island (Avenir) Cup The club achieved success in their debut season, defeating Cliftonville 1–0 to win the All-Island Cup at The Showgrounds, with Gemma McGuinness scoring the winning goal in the final.
Galway United successfully defended their title in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup for the second year in a row. After progressing through the group stages and knockout rounds, they faced Shamrock Rovers in the final at Tallaght Stadium. The match concluded in a 0–0 draw which resulted in Galway United clinching the victory through a 4-3 penalty shootout.
Grounds Galway United's principal home ground is Eamonn Deacy Park, previously known as Terryland Park.
The women's team train in Headford, at the home of Moyne Villa. During the 2026 season, the team played many of their home games in Headford as a new pitch was being layed in Eamon Deacy Park.
Personnel Updated 2026
Current squad
Technical staff PositionName Manager Phil Trill Assistant Manager/ Goalkeeping Development Adrian Cronan Opposition Analyst Gabriel Darcy Technical Coach Theresa Keane Coach Paul Sinnott Assistant Goalkeeping Coach Patrick Martyn Head of Athletic Development Fiona Kashmer Kit Person Marc O'Goill Sports Psychologist Stephanie Doherty Physiotherapist Roisin Leen Sports Scientist Evan O'Connor
Management PositionStaff Chairman Jonathan Corbett Secretary John Flannery Media Officer Jonathan Higgins Graphic Designer Morgan O'Brien Content Creation Paul Mladjenovic
Shirt sponsors and manufacturers YearKit manufacturerMain Sponsor2023O'NeillsComer Property Management202420252026
Notable former players
Republic of Ireland senior internationals Niamh Farrelly Roma McLaughlin Aislinn Meaney Julie-Ann Russell
Republic of Ireland U19 internationals Ceola Bergin Eve Dossen Jayne Merren Rola Olusola Aoife Thompson Kate Thompson
Other senior internationals Gemma McGuinness
Managerial history Dates Name 2023– Phil Trill
Honours All-Island Cup Winners: 2023, 2024.: (2) Runners Up: 2026.: (1)
References
External links Galway United FC Official Website The Galway United Forum Galway United FC on Soccerway