On matchday at Eamonn Deacy Park something always needs to be done. So Noel Connolly and his loyal crew of helpers oblige in a caring courteous manner: help is available.
That the fortunes of Galway United and Galway WFC matter so deeply merely adds to the job satisfaction levels. In normal times when Galway FA competitions are reaching the final stages everybody involved simply relishes the opportunity to perform at the Corribside venue.
Throughout the past three decades since the ground modernised stands and facilities have been added. The playing surface, though, remains renowned.
“Even if I say so myself, at the moment it is probably as good as it has ever been really,” stadium manager Noel Connolly says. “That is also down to the weather recently, we have had warm weather and plenty of rain too which helps with growth and preparation.”
The Covid pandemic has altered the world dramatically. Less fixtures are being played at the venue, but the challenge is to maintain the pitch.
“We still have the league of Ireland and the ladies playing here,” Connolly says about Galway United and Galway WFC’s matches at Eamonn Deacy Park.
“I set high standards and I push myself all of the time to achieve as high as we can get with the equipment we have and the budget we have. This year has been different with no local cup finals which has helped the pitch to be in better condition going forward into the winter.
“It will be stronger for it and probably next year. Before Covid we had an average about 106 or 107 compared to last year, a Covid year, I think we had 33 matches. So we were running at about 30 per cent of normal.”
Connolly has to be adaptable and willing to learn constantly. “You go above and beyond to try to have it as good as you can,” he adds.
“You have periods like the week before last where you had a really dry spell. It means coming in hours you wouldn't normally be coming in to keep the pitch watered. It is a labour of love.
“Back in the day when Terryland or Eamonn Deacy Park became what it is now when the changes were made and the pitch was turned people involved like Fonsie Nagle, John Clery, and Eamonn Naughton to name but a few, who were adamant we should look after it properly having invested so much money into it. I took it on then, 27 years later I'm still here and trying to improve it all of the time.”
Connolly recalls the guidance and advice supplied by Joe Flaherty in the 90s. “Initially after the change in 1994 there was a chap playing with the club at the time, Joe Flaherty, who was head groundskeeper over in Glenlo Abbey,” Connolly says.
“Joe had played with Bohs and played in the reserve team with Galway United. Joe drove me on to become what it is, Joe went further himself after that. He became head greenskeeper in Adare Manor which is one of the top clubs in the country, if not the world. Joe is still involved in pitch maintenance himself with SIS pitches and other groups looking after European pitches.”
Football and sport are a central part of the Connolly’s lives. His son Stephen and daughters Emma and Sarah remain avid United followers. Being involved with Cregmore/Claregalway outfits has brought particular joy to Connolly.
“It is great to see,” he responds about the development of the ladies game in Galway. “My own club Cregmore/Claregalway, who I have been coaching with for the last eight to 10 years. We have brought through some really good players to the Women's National League and at international level.
“You had great clubs setting the pace with Salthill Devon, before that Colga. Cregmore came into it then and we had a great run of success winning an Irish Cup a number of years ago at U18. Most of those players are now playing in the WNL with Galway WFC and other clubs.”
They are doing so on a pristine surface at Eamonn Deacy Park.
