John Caulfield signs new two-year deal with Galway United

Caulfield revealed that the club will announce new signings in the coming weeks. 

John Caulfield took over as Galway United manager in 2020. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Galway United have kept faith with manager John Caulfield, sanctioning a two-year contract despite last season’s struggles.

To many, the Tribesmen overachieved on their 2024 return to the Premier Division by finishing fifth.

Last season was a different story, getting sucked into the scrap for the relegation playoff before avoiding that scenario on goal difference. Waterford beat Bray Wanderers in the playoff to preserve their top-flight status.

Mainstays Patrick Hickey, Bobby Burns and Brendan Clarke were among the recent exodus but since Caulfield has since retained several others, including David Hurley and Killian Brouder despite interest from Sligo Rovers and Waterford respectively.

Stephen Walsh, Jimmy Keohane and Ed McCarthy are also staying, joining new recruit, former Dundalk centre-back Wasiri Williams, in the 2026 squad.

Caulfield, who led Cork City to the double in 2017, has been in charge at Eamonn Deacy Park since 2020.

He enjoys a strong relationship with the club’s benefactors, the billionaire local Comer Brothers, and they’ve decided he’s the best man to continue to spearhead the team.

“I'd like to thank Luke & Brian Comer of the Comer Group and the board of Galway United for their support,” said the 61-year-old.

"This year was obviously very difficult with the passing of my assistant Ollie Horgan but I'm very excited and committed that we all work together to ensure the city and county have an established LOI Premier Division team.

“It is a continuation of our progress of building and making the club stronger, moving from being part time only a number of years ago to a full-time setup in the Premier Division.

"We've been working hard since the summer to attract players because we knew we needed to freshen up the squad to continue the progress and we want to build an energetic and passionate team for next season.” Caulfield spoke about his squad-building approach.

He added: “Last summer, we recruited Aaron Bolger, Axel Piesold and Dara McGuinness. We also offered a professional contract to Junior Thiam, one of our academy lads.

“This shows the supporters what we're trying to do. We've retained a number of players that we wanted who are committed and passionate to drive the club. We’ve also announce a number of further new signings over the next few weeks.

"I think our supporters will be excited when they see the quality and energy of the players that we are bringing in and I want to thank them for their fantastic support to the team and myself during a very difficult season.

“We are looking forward to getting back to pre-season training shortly as the season starts even earlier in 2026 and we are looking ahead to another exciting year of Premier Division football in Galway.”