Galway United has received a much-needed financial boost from new sponsor Pat McDonagh and Papa John’s Pizza.
The founder of the successful fast-food chain Supermac’s has stepped in to help United out for the rest of the season following the recent withdrawal of main sponsor O'Connell Drylining.
The sponsorship of Galway’s premier division football side is a new departure for McDonagh who is a long-time sponsor of Galway’s senior, u-21 and minor hurling teams, through the Supermac’s brand.
At this week’s announcement Pat McDonagh believed Galway United would come through its current financial difficultities.
“Where there is a will, there is a way. Galway United can be proud of what it has achieved. It is on the brink of greater achievements. It is only a matter of confidence and making it happen. There is a great future and we will do anything we can do to help out,” he said.
A grateful United CEO Nick Leeson said in the current uncertain economic climate, the new sponsorship was a major boost.
As United head into the second series of matches, he said, it gave United “ the confidence to move forward, and explore a couple of different options” for its future.
Leeson said the sponsorship is initially for the remainder of the season with hopes that it will continue for a further three years. The sponsorship would enable United to keep “ticking over” during the current economic dififculties.
United, he said, had already “trimmed” its operation as much as it could, letting some staff go from its office, while three club players were also the subject of cross-channel interest.
The players’ new strip will be unveiled in a few days, while United hopes the new supporters’ jerseys will be available at a discount next season.
In addition three club players were also the subject of cross-channel interest, including Jay O’Shea who will line out for United on Sunday in the friendly against Millwall.
It is understood three managers from English clubs will be at the match - Darren Ferguson, son of Alex, who currently manages Peterborough; the former Juventus player Paolo Sausa who is in charge of Swansea, and Middlesborough’s Gordon McQueen.
Papa John’s sponsorship came within days of reports that a group of Manchester businessmen were interested in taking over the club that had reported debts of €500,000.
The first Galway United game with Papa John’s as their main sponsor takes place tomorrow evening. Papa John’s is giving the first 100 supporters that go through the Galway United gates free Papa John’s pizza vouchers.
