Supporters grouping to take over running of Galway Utd

A new soccer supporters group which has been set up to help develop – and eventually take control of – Galway United was launched in the Hotel Meyrick on Eyre Square last week by CEO of the FAI, John Delaney.

The Galway Soccer Co-Op has been set-up with the blessing of the board of Galway United, and the new group hopes to grow its membership over the next three years to be in a position to take over the running of the club.

A working group of seven people was put in place at the behest of the club to establish the co-op, and while its main focus will be on the support and development of Galway United, it also intends to promote soccer in the community as well.

The working group has spent the best part of six months drawing up its constitution in lines with the guidelines from the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society, and was finally in a position to be launched last week.

Membership for the first year has been set at €30 by the working group, which will run the co-op until an AGM is held before the start of the 2015 season – the new season kicks-off in March, and it is hoped to hold the AGM in February.

Members will be able to avail of an extended discount price of €150 for a Galway United season ticket up until January 31 – tickets cost €160.

They will also get to vote at the AGM for two members of the co-op to join the board of Galway United – Nicola Deacy and Tom Quigley from the working group presently hold those positions until the AGM is held.

For more information, contact 085 1935 or log on to gufc-coop.com.

Meanwhile, the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixture list has been released and newly promoted Galway United will mark their return to the top flight with a home game against Derry City on March 6.