Galway FC, which is making an Airtricity licence application for the 2014 domestic season, has appointed Tommy Dunne as manager.
The former Cork City boss Dunne was eventually selected to take charge of the Eamonn Deacy Park outfit last Friday. A statement released by Galway FC highlighted Dunne's involvement in League of Ireland football.
“As a manager and player Tommy is very familiar and experienced with the League of Ireland scene since the early 90s and most recently spent four years with Cork City initially as assistant manager and for the last three years as first team manager.
“While at Cork City Tommy achieved promotion as champions from the first division in his second season and brought them to a solid mid-table position in the premier division. Prior to his time in Cork Tommy spent three years in football management in Finland, including the position of first team manager with SJK which was formed from the merger of two clubs in the city of Seinajoki.”
Mervue United chief Johnny Glynn and Stephen Staunton, who managed the Republic of Ireland in 2006 and 2007 were two other candidates for the Galway FC position, but Dunne was chosen to steer Galway FC into a new era.
Dunne, 41, a cousin of Queens Park Rangers defender and Irish international Richard, enjoyed a productive playing career featuring in the Home Farm, Dundalk, Shelbourne, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, and Kildare County shirts before a stint in Finland.
Dunne guided Cork to the first division title in 2011, a campaign in which the Leesiders lost only once in 30 fixtures. That is among the things which impressed the Galway FC Board of Directors. “Tommy’s managerial success with Cork from start-up and working with a tight budget, coupled with his ambition, energy and enthusiasm, matched our vision for the club and without doubt makes him the right person to bring Galway Football Club forward.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of the calibre and experience of Tommy accept the position to lead Galway Football Club on its journey into League of Ireland football and are genuinely excited by the challenges that lie ahead for all Galwegians.
“As we embarked on the recruitment and interview process we were very impressed by the quality of the candidates from home and abroad who applied for the position. We want to express our gratitude to all those who expressed an interest in the position that is part of a new dawn for League of Ireland football in Galway.”
The Comer Group (www.comerproperty.ie ) has agreed a three-years sponsorship deal with Galway FC, which is busy preparing itself for the significant challenges that await. Galway FC expects to commence season ticket sales following a formal launch which will take place in the Connacht Hotel next Monday December 2 where Dunne will also be introduced. The Galway FC manager is eager to put together his backroom team quickly and intends to speak to players from the locality in the coming days.
