Below is a letter published in the Galway Independent this week, in which the management committee give thanks, and look forward to a successful season.
"Dear Editor,
We, the Management Committee of Galway United Football Club, would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to those people of Galway city, county and beyond, who have put their shoulders solidly to our wheel during these early weeks of the League of Ireland season.
Our management committee is composed of supporters with experience and commitment, with passion and with energy. We are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds.
When the club was battling to regain its Premier Division status, during those uncertain pre season days, the messages of support, which flowed in from within and beyond the football community, heartened and encouraged us. Now that our feet are back on the ground, we are looking forward with confidence.
Since 1937, many obstacles have been faced and overcome. Why should we fight to keep the Galway United of this era alive? Because we look to the beginning, to Galway Rovers, the people's club, for our inspiration. We recognise the development of Terryland, which took place hand-in-hand with Galway and District Leagues. We salute those who have gone before us; we carry on.
The desire of persons like Ronan Coleman and Tommy Shields is one this entire committee shares. We are determined to maintain GUFC in the Premier League and to ensure that the club will be in a position to enable the manager to build a squad to the highest level. The notion of Galway United being a people's club, "club an phobail", is at the centre of the work of this committee. Our task is to convince the people of our city and county that Galway United can and will continue to make a huge contribution to sporting and cultural life.
It is not fanciful to refer to Bayern, Barcelona and, indeed, Shamrock Rovers in this letter. These three clubs rejoice in ownership by the fans. Our regeneration will be copper-fastened by the same principles. What would frustrate us in following the Tallaght club's lead would be a failure of belief in ourselves. What will inspire us is the determination to make United a greater part of Galway's sporting story.
Club president Michael D. Higgins has urged people to "reclaim the Dyke". The sight of families walking, cycling or motoring to Terryland can again become a fortnightly feature of Galway life.
Our bright and shining city and county have borne their share of economic setbacks. It is especially important at this time, to pay tribute to the members of the business community who have supported GUFC over the years. Important too, to welcome the 'Maroon Army' fan base support scheme, which offers supporters a most practical method of rallying behind GUFC.
The club is encouraged by the much-improved crowds, which have attended our early home games. United's near demise, coupled with our new organisational structures, have served to galvanise the public's attention. We are mindful of the wisdom of veteran Galway Rovers stalwart Fred Bray's address to the Galway United Supporters Trust meeting, where he reminded us that attendances would be critical to the club's immediate future.
As a management committee, we have honoured our promise to meet supporters in the coming weeks to review progress to date. Our response to Galway United's difficulties will continue to be measured and will be marked by enthusiasm and openness, by a keenness to reach out the hand of welcome to our schools, our arts community, to all our partners in this enterprise.
When Galway United is resourced and enjoys the best of relations with the Galway football family, we will begin to consider ourselves to have been successful. Mar a deireann an gaeilge, 'De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.' The squad and manager are already making strides; the supporters, heartbeat of the club, are keeping pace. Terryland Park looks smashing. Our western sky is brightening and Derry is coming to town. 'Nuff said.
Sincerely,
Chairperson David Flaherty,
Secretary Ronan Coleman,
Treasurer Sean Dunleavy
Committee Members: Mike Daly, Máirtín Ó Mocháin, William Furey, Seán Flaherty, Vincent O'Connor Jnr, Tommy Shields, Pat Burke, John Flannery, Bert O'Leary, Morgan O'Brien, Sean Rafferty, Jerry O'Leary, Liam Glynn and Noel Connolly."