Galway teams had competed in national competitions for a number of years, and Galway W.F.C. joined the Women's National League for the 2013-2014 season.[3]
At the end of 2022, the club announced they had "reluctantly decided not to apply for inclusion in next season's SSE Airtricity Women's National League", due to additional costs.[4] Chair Stephan Moran included in the statement the hope "that other individuals or entities [would] take up the mantle to continue the tradition of senior and underage women's football in Galway in 2023".[4]
Galway United WFC
On September 13, 2022, Galway United announced that they were disappointed with the news of Galway W.F.C.'s demise, and would begin a "process of dialogue with all interested stakeholders" to explore options to ensure Galway was represented in women's football and senior and underage levels.[5] On October 5, the club announced they would be launching women's teams for the first time, entering a senior team in the Women's National League in 2023 and underage teams at u-17 and u-19 level.[1]
Former Galway W.F.C. assistant manager Phil Trill was confirmed as Galway United's first-ever senior women's team manager on December 3, saying "I’m delighted to have this opportunity. To be the first ever manager to take a women’s team into Galway United is very exciting".[6] Lynsey McKey was confirmed as club captain, with Jenna Slattery and Therese Kinnevey as vice-captains, ahead of the start of the season.[7]
The club finished fourth in its first season in the Women's National League,[9] with midfielder Jenna Slattery being named in the 2023 Premier Division Team of the Year, and forward Jodie Griffin winning the TG4 Goal of the Year award. [10]
The club finished third in its second season in the Women's National League.[11] Julie-Ann Russell was selected as the Player of the Year and Jenna Slattery was awarded the Golden Boot at the 2024 SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Awards. Both Russell and Slattery were named to the 2024 Premier Division Team of the Year along with Kate Thompson. [12]
Notably, Galway United achieved a 5-0 home win against Cork City on March 16, 2024, breaking The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division attendance record when 2,861 people attended Galway United’s win over DLR Waves at Eamonn Deacy Park. It beat the previous record of 1,464 who were at the 2023 clash between Shamrock Rovers and Peamount United. [13]
All Island (Avenir) Cup
The club achieved success in their debut season, defeating Cliftonville 1-0 to win the All-Island Cup at The Showgrounds, with Gemma McGuinness scoring the winning goal.[14]
Galway United successfully defended their title in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup for the second year in a row. After progressing through the group stages and knockout rounds, they faced Shamrock Rovers in the final at Tallaght Stadium. The match concluded in a 0-0 draw which resulted in Galway United clinching the victory through a 4-3 penalty shootout. [15]
Grounds
Galway United's principal home ground is Eamonn Deacy Park, previously known as Terryland Park.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
