Eammon Deacy 1968-2012
Eamonn began his footballing journey at grassroots level with West United, under the guidance of Michael O’Connor. In December 1975, after a trial with Clyde, he made his League of Ireland debut with Sligo Rovers, where his only victory came at Glenmalure Park in January 1976. He even faced England legend Geoff Hurst while playing against Cork Hibernians. That same year, he returned to his hometown to debut for Galway Rovers F.C. (later Galway United) in the FAI League Cup on 5 September 1976. Later in the season, he joined Limerick, debuting on 28 November and ending the campaign with a Munster Senior Cup win despite a loss in the FAI Cup final. In October 1977, Deacy etched his name into Galway’s history by scoring Galway Rovers’ first-ever League of Ireland goal, marking a triumphant return to the club. In February 1979, after writing 12 persistent letters requesting a trial, Eamonn joined Aston Villa, stepping into the club’s golden era: -Football League First Division Champion (1980–81) – One of only 14 players used during the season, earning a medal with 11 appearances. -European Cup Winner (1982) -European Super Cup Winner (1982) -FA Charity Shield (shared) (1981) -Featured in the European Cup quarter-final against Juventus -Had a short loan spell with Derby County Rejecting a new two-year contract at Villa, Eamonn returned home in 1984 to rejoin Galway United, debuting in a League of Ireland Cup tie against Finn Harps on 2 September 1984. He made his final league appearance on St Patrick’s Day 1991, fittingly against St Patrick’s Athletic. Deacy earned 4 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team and also represented Ireland’s amateur side, helping them qualify for the 1978 UEFA Amateur Cup. Eamonn Deacy passed away on 13 February 2012 from a heart attack. His passing shook the footballing community, and in his honour, Terryland Park was renamed Eamonn Deacy Park. A special testimonial match was held there on 18 August 2012 to celebrate his life and career. Known for his humility and love for Galway, Eamonn remains a beloved icon.
Tommy Keane 1968-2012
Harry Redknapp signed him for Bournemouth in 1985 from West Utd where he had been tearing up the local scene. Club President Michael O Connor described Tommy as the “most talented young lad he ever seen in Galway Soccer”. Keane played in England for Bournemouth and Colchester United, making a total of 19 appearances in the Football League. In October 1988, he returned to Ireland and was signed by manager John Herrick for Galway United, making his League of Ireland debut on 23 October 1988 at Cobh Ramblers. His first league goal came in Seamus McDonagh’s first game as player manager in a 2–1 home win over Cork City on 27 November. During the 1990-91 League of Ireland season, he was Galway’s top league scorer with 8 goals. He also scored in every round of the FAI Cup up to the final. On the biggest day in Galway’s history he put in a Man of the Match performance as Galway United beat favouritesShamrock Rovers. He also played for Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps and Athlone Town. His last League of Ireland goal came on 6 November 1994 when he came on as a substitute at the Brandywell Stadium on his season debut and scored a header with his first touch. His last League of Ireland game was on 22 September 1995 as a substitute for Athlone against Cork City. Keane played for Galway in a friendly against Leicester City in July 1998. He scored a total of 37 goals in 114 appearances for Galway United in all competitions. He also represented Ireland at youth international level. Tommy returned again to West when his career in England and the League of Ireland finished. He played with the West United 1st team. He was on a different level to everyone else which resulted in Don O’Riordan trying to bring him back to Galway Utd. Tommy suffered a serious knee injury not long after this and Galway Utd’s interest, which ended his career. Tommy is right up there in the argument to be Galways Greatest Ever Footballer. Tommy is sadly missed by everyone at West Utd having died suddenly on December 28th 2012 having just played in a memorial tournament for another Club Legend Noel Crowley. The Club Hold the Tommy Keane Memorial Tournament in Tommy’s Honour every year.
