When the history of Galway United Football Club is eventually written, it would do well to recognise the significance of yesterday morning in a meeting room of the Connacht Hotel.
Many of the meetings to bring a defunct club back from the wilderness in 2012 and 2013 took place in these very rooms. That 12 years later, the venue would host the unveiling of one of Galway’s best ever footballers to sign for a Galway United team challenging at the top half of the Premier Division - represents the culmination of a dream for many who fought the hard fight.
The signing of Greg Cunningham represents more than the signing of an excellent left-back. The return of the Irish international with Premier League experience in favour of attractive offers abroad speaks to growth in the collective confidence in Galway.
It is a signal to the next generation that Galway football is on the up. It is a vote of confidence in the trajectory of Galway and Irish football. It is simply a statement signing.
Cunningham spoke eloquently of his family’s move home. In a room unusually packed out by supporters, sponsors and reporters, he was passionate about pushing to achieve with his hometown club.
He said: “It’s a great honour for me to be here. It’s great to be home. I’ve been away longer than I’ve been home, so it’s nice to get back. It’s very pleasing to play for my hometown club. I’ll give everything I have and am looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I’ve been over and I’ve been watching the games on the League of Ireland Pass. The club is in a great position in all aspects. [The men’s team] have gotten off to a great start. It’s an exciting time for the club. It means a lot to be here.
“In general, I have given everything every time I am on the pitch. I think I understand the game quite well so I will try and give everything for the club and express my experience to the boys. You pick up little bits from managers and coaches you work with and players you have had the privilege to play alongside.”
There is hope in the club that international clearance can come by Friday so that the defender would be eligible to make his bow against Longford Town.
That these level of efforts are being made for the new signing to be available shows how seriously this FAI Cup tie is being taken.
Ollie Horgan was at pains to point out after last week’s win against Waterford that Longford would not be taken lightly despite their league struggles. The assistant manager pointed out that a number of the same personnel are there that beat United twice last season.
Jordan Adeyemo, Dean O’ Shea and Bastien Hery all showed glimpses of their talents in their time at Terryland. Players like Jack Brady, Shane Elworthy and Karl Chambers are highly regarded in the game.
Nonetheless, the draw represents a unique opportunity for United. There are three all Premier Division ties in the first round which will soften up the draw in the second round and thereafter.
United have proved themselves a match for almost any side in the Premier Division, a result against St. Pat’s the only one to elude them thus far. Moreover, there is the experience of last season’s semi-final run to lean on. Cup runs defy prediction, yet United fans have more reason for optimism this season than in a long time.
They will be confident of the ideal start with a win over Longford.
