Arranmore United Gaining Strength

Arranmore United Football Club have had a fantastic first half of the season which see them top the table having won eight out of the nine league games played and are on track to qualify to the last eight of the Downtown Cup. The club had been on the verge of folding because of a lack of interest from committee, players and management, however the switch to Saturday football seemed to galvanise all parties and the club have made great strides.

The manager and players set out their stall at a very early stage and pre season started on July 1st 2013, a full 2 months before the season itself started and it was made clear the training would take place Tuesdays and Thursdays regardless of the weather. This has been adhered to totally, with the lads pounding the roads in some horrendous weather. However Jerry and the boys are very much aware that nothing is won in December and training will be stepped up during the Christmas break. Jerry wishes to acknowledge the support he has had from the committee and the public in supporting fundraising however he and the players are slightly disappointed at numbers attending home games and he is urging the islanders to come out and support the lads to what could be a memorable season.

When asked what the key was to the change in fortunes, Jerry was very quick to acknowledge the huge contribution made by the players. “We have a very young side with as many as 6 players still at the Gairmscoil and the return to form of Gavin, Michael McHugh and Daniel has been huge” Jerry said, adding “Added to that the experience of Danny, Rua and the mainland lads Benny, Mark, and Gerard Diver, gives the team a great balance.”

The commitment shown by the lads who travel from Galway weekly should never be underestimated  or taken for granted, for example Declan proctor left Galway at 5am and his journey took him to Maghery  via Sligo, Enniskillen, Sligo again Donegal and Glenties just in time for 1pm kick off! (We get the feeling that there is a story attached to that journey!) When asked how he sees the season panning out Jerry did say that despite the current squad doing great he did concede that they were very short in numbers and the team were down to the bare numbers on a couple of occasions and said he will be looking to add at least four players to the panel to cover all eventualities. In conclusion Jerry was at pains to point out how well the lads have represented the island, not only on the park, but also off it saying “Arranmore Utd are a huge part of the community and it is great to be in a position to be able to work with these lads in restoring the Pride back in the club”. Jerry and all the players would like to wish all the island a happy and peaceful holiday period.