It’s a Dunne deal as Tommy is named as Galway FC manager

Former Cork City FC supremo Tommy Dunne has been named as the manager of the new Galway FC side, which will make its bow in the League of Ireland in the 2014 season.

Dunne (41), a cousin of Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne, saw off competition from more than 30 applicants for the post, and he will be unveiled to the public in the Connacht Hotel next Monday evening at the official launch of the new Galway side.

The Dublin native, who won the FAI Cup with Shelbourne in 1996, and the League of Ireland Premier Division title with Derry City the following season, will be based in Galway for the duration of his tenure – Galway FC have not confirmed the length of contract he has been offered.

It will be his third spell in management, having made his managerial debut with SJK of Seinajoki in Finland in 2005, where he spent three years. He was named as Paul Doolin’s assistant at Cork City in 2009, and took over as manager the following year, leading the club to the First Division title in 2011. He was sacked by the club in August this year after a poor run of results.

“Galway Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Tommy Dunne as the club’s team manager as it enters the Airtricity League for the 2014 season,” a statement read yesterday.

“Tommy’s managerial success with Cork from start-up and working with a tight budget coupled with his ambition, energy and enthusiasm matched our vision for the club and without doubt makes him the right person to bring Galway Football Club forward.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of the calibre and experience of Tommy accept the position to lead Galway Football Club on its journey into League of Ireland football and are genuinely excited by the challenges that lie ahead for all Galwegians,” the statement read.