FULL REPORT

Independent report on Galway Senior Football presented to stakeholders

Mr Ned O'Connor and the Football Association of Ireland today presented the findings of the independent report completed by Mr O'Connor about the future development of senior football in Galway.

The report examines the present structures in Galway and suggests solutions for the future. It is based on consultation with all of the major stakeholders in the Galway area, including the former Galway United board, GUST, the Galway FA, Mervue United, Salthill Devon / SD Galway and the Chairman and Director of the Airtricity League.

The report recognises the work done by the clubs in Galway to develop the sport and the achievements of SD Galway / Salthill Devon and Mervue United in progressing to senior level but concludes that there should be one National League club in the Galway area.

The report notes the long term systematic weakness of having any more than one senior club in a city of Galway's size on both sporting and commercial grounds and recommends a phased approach towards the resolution of this matter. This includes the eventual setting up a Connaught Senior League, and a Board for the single Galway club composed of a broad spectrum of football and business interests in the Galway area.

Mr O'Connor and the Association met with the relevant Galway football stakeholders earlier today to present the report and begin discussions to set out how and when such a solution could be achieved.

Commenting on the report and meeting today, Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin said,

"Today's independent report sets out a solution for the issues facing Galway senior football. A first meeting with stakeholders to present the findings was held today and the Association will continue this process in the coming period. It is our objective to work with all of the parties involved to reach this long term solution which can and should deliver a healthy, sustainable future for senior football in Galway.

"We believe that such a solution must take into account the strength of the sport at grassroots level and needs to create strong cohesion between all strands of the game in the Galway area."

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