Galway United legend’s tribute to iconic old Claddagh will hang forever in familiar surrounds

One of Galway United’s all-time greatest players is still as committed to his native city as he was when gracing the League of Ireland – only these days, he’s doing it with words rather than football boots!

Gerry Daly’s passion for poetry has grown over the years and his latest work now hangs proudly in the same clubhouse that he was once so familiar with, as an acclaimed full-back in the maroon jersey.

This time he’s paying tribute to the Claddagh – a specially framed version of his work has gone on display in the old Galway Rovers clubhouse at Nimmo’s Pier.

Last week, he presented a printed copy of the Claddagh to Dominic Curran of the Claddagh Rovers Hall, so it could be hung there for posterity.

In it, he paints a picture of the city’s most iconic village – with its thatched cottages and famous Galway Hookers – as well as recalling a host of the Claddagh’s most famous names . . . from the Olivers and the Currans to the Flahertys and the Cubbards, who have been part of the fabric there for generations.

Gerry is originally from Shantalla and has lived in Menlo for many years – but he’s always had a great affection for the Claddagh from those early days, training with what was first Galway Rovers and then Galway United.

His day job with Galway City Council’s outdoor staff means he’s also one of the team responsible for keeping the area pristine, but he’s a regular visitor outside of work too – and a daily swimmer in Salthill.

“I swim every day at Blackrock and over the last few years, as I’d go down through the Claddagh, I’d see more and more of the old houses disappear – knocked down and rebuilt – and I used to think that it’s a pity the old Claddagh couldn’t be like it was,” he says.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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