By the numbers: the impressive resurgence of Galway United

Galway has often been credited as being one of the country's premier dual code counties. They are proving this again in 2024 but rather than in Gaelic games, it has been shown in the Men’s and Women’s League of Ireland Premier Divisions.

Galway United men are back in the top-flight for the first time since 2017 and thriving by competing in the top half of the table with marquee wins over the likes of Shelbourne and Derry City. In the women’s division, Galway have started in fine form by going unbeaten through seven games with a +17 goal difference.

It is a remarkable turnaround for football in Galway which appeared at a low point 18 months ago. In September 2022 it was announced that Galway WFC would be pulling out of the league due to cost issues ending a ten-year run where they finished between fourth and sixth each year.

One month afterwards, the men’s side were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Waterford in the First Division play-off final to condemn them to their longest ever absence from the top-flight of six years.

But their ascent has been rapid since with Galway United taking the spot of Galway WFC. Year one brought a trophy won in last year’s Avenir Cup and now they are topping this year’s early table. While the men also took silverware in the First Division winners’ trophy by topping the table by 25 points on their way back to the highest level.

However, the paths taken to success on the field for both teams has often looked different, starting with the profiles of the managers in charge.

John Caulfield was a high-profile appointment for Galway United as a First Division side with his previous employment earning two FAI Cups and a league title for Cork City. Coming into this year’s Premier Division season, only Keith