Former Galway United manager Don O’Riordan is to take over the Galway women’s FC National League side.
Unveiled this week as the successor to Nigel Keady who brought the team through its debut season O’Riordan has considerable experience in both the mens and women’s game in Ireland, America, and China.
Familiar with Galwegians for having managed Galway United from 1997 to 2001, and Sligo Rovers until 2004, the Dublin-born manager moved to China where he became the technical director of Chengdu Blades for three years. After a spell in America, the Dubliner, who carved a professional playing career in England during the eighties, returned to China to become the first director of football and subsequently head coach of Beijing’s Baxi Women’s Club, also coaching China’s u-20 women’s side in the Beijing Olympics where they reached the last eight.
O’Riordan is currently undertaking his Pro Licence alongside Ireland women’s national team manager Sue Ronan.
Galway FC chairman Stephen Moran says O’Riordan brings a wealth of experience nationally and internationally both in the mens and women’s game to Galway WFC.
“ It really is great for the club at this point, and we would also like to pay tribute to the hard work, commitment and effort that Nigel Keady put into the role as Galway WFC’s first manager.”
The 2014/15 WNL season will commence on August 24 with League Cup competition group stage fixtures.
