Comers plan half a million investment if Galway United takeover accepted

The Galway United supporters' trust will tonight vote on the Comers' proposal to purchase an 85% stake in the club.

A general view of Eamonn Deasy Park Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Comer brothers have committed to inject an initial €500,000 into Galway United this year should members of the supporters' trust tonight accept their proposal to purchase an 85% stake in the club.

Billionaire property developers Brian and Luke, from Glenamaddy, have been the main sponsors of the League of Ireland club since 2013.

In a letter sent to delegates ahead of tonight’s vote, they quantify this “donation” to be €1.8m but insist significant investment is required at this “critical juncture in its development”.

In a blueprint that involves the First Division club having a squad “to push on the top tier of the Premier Division, Luke Comer writes: “The club needs on-field success. Galway needs on-field success. The players coming through our Academy need that football career roadmap. The club needs an ownership stake in training facilities. The right structures have to be put in place both on and off the pitch to drive both financial success and financial viability.

“All of this requires significant financial investment and that is why we want the option to acquire majority ownership.

“Our commitment to Galway United has been demonstrated over eight years and our business track record over 40 years speaks for itself. We fully recognise that taking a long-term view over several years that you need to invest to drive success.

“Whilst everyone accepts there is not an endless tap of funds, we are prepared to make that future financial commitment to invest. For 2022, that investment will be approximately €500,000.” 

The 40-acre site Mountain South side in Athenry, purchased by the Comers for less than €1m from the GAA in 2017, forms part of their vision, as does improving their venue, Eamonn Deacy Park, which is owned by Galway FA.

The prospective owners have also confirmed they want the supporters, through the co-operative scheme, to retain a shareholding.

"Without doubt, supporters and volunteers will continue to be a key element in building our future success," added Luke.

Galway are currently second in the First Division, three points behind Cork City with a game in hand, heading into Friday’s fixtures.