One of the few real joys on the Galway senior soccer scene this season has been the substantial form of Mervue Utd.
Celebrating its 50th year of service to the Galway game this weekend, the club's return to Fahy's Field has injected real substance into the club's challenge for League of Ireland respectability.
Johnny Glynn's stewardship of team affairs has brought renewed direction and focus to both the first team and the club. The hosting of first division fare in the heart of the community has splendidly served both the squad and its supporters. In its celebrations this weekend nothing would excite more than an away win over Limerick to get the party off to the best possible start.
The form of Ger Hanley, Nicky Curran, Mark Ludden, Martin Connelly, Jason Molloy, Tom King and Rory Gaffney has ensured that the club's total of 20 points to date has given real credence to their standing in the national game. The team's football is thoughtful and enterprising and fans appreciate that the players' technical competence is always matched with the requisite industry. The football club has certainly matched ambition with delivery this season on and off the park.
Apart from a heavy home defeat to leaders Shelbourne, Limerick's away wins in Wexford, Longford and Drom have propelled them into joint third place in the table. In their 16 league ties their defence has only conceded 12 goals. In the earlier encounter between the sides Limerick came back from Galway with a 2-0 victory. On Tuesday evening Limerick's facile 5-0 dismissal of Monaghan in the EA Sports quarter-final further highlighted their pedigree. The scoring exploits of midfielder Jeffrey Judge, who bagged a hat-trick, marked him out as a player who is presently striking a rich vein of form.
Mervue’s opponents have made a bold declaration of intent with their proposed return to the Markets Field, coupled with the signings of football league stars Joe Gamble and Denis Behan. Their injection into the squad during the upcoming transfer window will assuredly inject fire into the Shannonsiders’ promotion challenge. Indeed any team under the stewardship of Pat Scully and containing the quality of Pat Purcell, Corrie Treacy, Barry Ryan and Peter Hynes must be greatly respected.
No doubt Mervue will afford their hosts the appropriate regard, while properly entertaining high hopes of recording another fine result.
• Mervue United will hold further trials this Saturday July 2 at 1pm in Fahy’s Field.
All players born on or after January 1, 1993 are eligible to play in this exciting league.
Players interested in playing in the Elite Division should contact manager Brendan O’Connor at 087-6997765.
The club will compete in the elite division along with 11 other Airtricity League Clubs, Salthill Devon, Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Dundalk, St Pat’s, UCD, Shelbourne, Waterford Utd and Wexford Youths.
• Mervue United celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday July 2 in the Clayton Hotel. Special guests include FAI CEO John Delaney and Manchester City and Irish ternational Greg Cunningham. Tickets are available from the clubhouse 091-771609.
