Galway star could be set for dream debut crack at Man United

A talented Tuam soccer player, who has just made the big move across the water could be given a baptism of fire – against the most successful English club of the modern era.

Because in the week that Rory Gaffney officially joined Cambridge United, his new club has been given the plum draw in the next round of the FA Cup . . . a home game against Manchester United.

It would be a dream come true for Rory and his family and friends if he was selected on the team that lined out for the biggest match in the club’s history.

In fact Cambridge United are the lowest ranked team still left in the FA Cup and the match is fixed for later in the month.

It would be the biggest giant killing achievement in recent years if they were to beat one of the most famous clubs in the world.

Rory, who is 25, has been signed on an 18 month contract with Cambridge and has officially joined the club this week.

He is the son of James and Kathleen Gaffney who live at The Meadows in Tuam and they are proud of what he has achieved.

Kathleen Gaffney said that it was a dream come true for Rory who had always strived to play football in England since he took up the sport.

“We are very proud of our son. He has put a lot of effort into soccer and he is delighted with the opportunity he has been presented with,” Kathleen added.

It’s been an incredible few weeks for a number of Galway natives on the football front – apart from Rory heading for Cambridge, Loughrea native Pat Hoban left League champions Dundalk for that other great University city to sign for Oxford Town.

Former Galway United defender Seamus Conneely from Connemara signed for Accrington Stanley – and last year’s star at Eamon Deacy Park, Ryan Manning, is close to a reported €150,000 move to Premiership side Queens Park Rangers.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.