Club History

Take the road out as far as Monivea, take a left in Monivea village and after some miles on meandering roads, turn right at the ruined castle at Garbally and you will come across the little hamlet of Colemanstown’. This was one of the first quotes on where we are based. Now, the motorway is the most direct route, exiting in Athenry or Kiltulla is the most accessible way to find us at Eircode: H53 E275

We were founded in 1982 and from that very first day when Gerry Moran hand delivered our first affiliation form to the Galway FA office, the club played a major role in the affairs of the community ever since. There is little doubt our community club has come a long way since its formation.

Our first ever Colemanstown United F.C. Committee was elected as follows: President: Frank Burke; Chairman: Paddy Hynes; Secretary: Gerry Moran; Treasurer: Liam Burke; Manager: Ossie O’Grady;

In those early days training took place in 2 different fields, one directly at the back of Burke’s Bar and the 2nd at the front of Burke’s where we eventually settled and now call our club grounds. We are forever grateful to Frank & Bernie Burke & family for their extreme generosity and goodwill in sponsoring the pitch, training grounds and land for the development of our state of the art clubhouse which we now boast today. This was one of the biggest steps forward in the development of the club.

In our first official league match we played Kilcornan Utd. (now Colga F.C.) in Division 2 of the Galway District League.  We had the greatest start winning 9-1. The good times were about to begin! The panel that day was: PJ Finnerty, Liam Burke, Noel Kelly, Paddy Hynes, Joe Coppinger, Noel Finnerty, Thomas Hynes, Gerry Moran, Pa Ruane, PJ Molloy, Martin Finnerty, Gerry Rohan, & Sean Moran. We had our ups and downs for a few seasons after that, but eventually won our first major title in the ‘85/’86 season when we won Division 2 under the management of Ossie O Grady.  Subsequently seasons went by, there were no trophies, no medals, but several broken legs, great matches, frothy pints and mighty craic!

In the mid ‘90’s we piloted some underage teams. We knew the club would fail to survive without an underage structure. We have continuously fielded numerous teams in various age groups since.

There is little doubt however that the last 15 years has been our most successful to date not only on the field but as regards the provision of our two fully drained playing pitches, shower rooms, meeting rooms, fully equipped kitchen facility, 200 seater stadium and in latter times we have worked hard to provide a fully tarmaced & lighted walking / running track (which is wheelchair accessible) and incorporating 4 outdoor twin gym stations and a Childrens playground and safety perimeter fencing. We are extremely thankful for valuable LEADER funding which greatly assisted us along the way. The innovative thinking of our committee has made massive impact in our community improving access for older members and females in general and has promoted connection amongst all users. 

The committee have plans for even further development so keep yourself updated through this website and social media pages: 

Social Media

facebook.com/colemanstownutd
twitter.com/cufc1982
instagram.com/colemanstownunited

Achievements

In 2018 we were the first Galway club to be awarded the FAI Club Mark (Entry level) – an award based on best practice in the governance, management and administration of a football club. 

In 2019, we were awarded the FAI Grassroots Club of the Year – an accolade we will treasure forever.

In 2019, we signed up to the CARA Disability Charter. Our facilities are open to all disability groups and we have invited many disability groups in our greater environs to use our facilities. 

In 2020 we signed up to the 20×20 Charter in which we committed to supporting women and girls in sport in our area. This is driven by 20×20 Champions Zoe Kennedy, Laura Parker & Tara Roberts.

In 2021 we were the first club in Connacht and one of six in the country to be awarded the FAI (1star award) award. 

Our success story to date is largely due to the dedication, tireless work & commitment of our hard working committee, coaches, volunteers and supporters of the club. It has given a sense of identity and pride to the little hub of Colemanstown. We are working hard to complete the remaining phases of our development plan 2018-2028. 

The Club thanks State Bodies – FÁS, The National Lottery, GRD, LEADER, Ballymacward Hall Committee and all our local sponsors who have helped us achieve our plans and ambitions to date. We thank all our supporters since the club’s foundation for their unfailing generosity and assistance given to us throughout our many fundraising events down through the years. 

Based on initial community consultation we have developed our facilities in an environment that is welcoming and free for all to use. We now boast a facility for Everyone – male and female; young and not so young from all walks of life. 

Club Roll of Honour

SeasonTitles / Honours Captured
1985/86Division 2 Winners / Cup Runners-up
1987/88Athenry 5-a-side Shield Winners
1995/962B North Cup Runners-up
1996/972B North Cup winners
1997/98U-18 League Cup winners
U-18 League Runners-up
Div 2B League Winners
League Cup Winners
Ladies Div 1 League Winners
2003/04
Kiltulla 7-a-side Winners
Div 1 League & Cup Winners
2008/09Div 1 League Winners (A Team)
2009/10Div 4 League Cup Winners (B Team)
U-11 Div 1 League Winners / League Cup Runners-up
2010/11U-12 Div 1 League Winners
2011/12U-13 Div 2 League Winners
U-15 Div 2 League Winners/League Cup Runners-up
2013Ladies Div 1 League Winners/GFA Cup Runners-up
2014Ladies League Cup winners
2014/15Div1 League Winners (A Team)
2016/17Ladies Premier league winners & Ladies league cup winners (Double champs)
Thady Moran – Kennedy Cup Squad
2018/19FAI Club Mark Entry Level
Youth (U18) Div2 League winners
U12 Div4 League Winners
U13 Div 2 League winners
U15 Div2 League winners
RDFL Masters League champions
2019 FAI Club of the Year
Ladies Cup Runners-Up
Thomas Mellody Galway Utd U13’s
Kellie Brennan – U17 Gaynor Cup winning team
2019/20
Covid Interuption
U12 Girls Cup Runners-Up
Jonah Donnellan Galway Utd U13s
2020/21
Covid Interuption
U14 Div3 League Winners
U15 Div 1 League Winners
A Team League Runners Up (Promoted to Premier League)
2021/22RDFL Masters Shield Winners
U13 Div2 Cup Winners
U15 Div 1 League Winners
U16 Championship Winners
U15 Div1 Cup Runners-Up
U16 Championship Cup Runners-up
U12 Girls Div1 Cup Runners-up
 2022/23U15 Girls Div1 League winners
U15 Girls Div1 Cup winners
U16 Boys Championship Winner