## Greg Cunningham Returns Home to Galway United## Greg Cunningham Returns Home to Galway United Galway United has made a significant signing in the transfer window with the acquisition of Galway native and former Republic of Ireland international Greg Cunningham on an 18-month contract. Cunningham, a Carnmore native, has had a stellar career spanning 17 years in England and Wales. He played in the Premier League with Manchester City and enjoyed success in the English Championship with clubs including Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City, and Preston North End. The move back home to Galway United was prompted by Cunningham’s desire to return to his roots and be closer to family. “It’s a great honor for me to be here, it’s great to be home,” Cunningham said at his unveiling. “There are many factors that have played a role, but for me it’s huge to be home again. I’ve been away for a long time, 17 years, much longer than I’ve been home, so it’s nice to be back.” Cunningham’s decision to return to Galway was a family one, as his wife, Cathriona Farrell, is also a Galway native. “We are very happy with the decision we have made,” Cunningham stated. “We have talked about moving back to England, and certainly from a financial point of view that would have been the right move, but it is important that the dialogue remains open. We have had honest conversations about my future over the last few years.” Despite his extensive playing experience, Cunningham believes he still has a lot to offer on the field. “I’m not coming home to retire or to tick a few boxes, I’ve still got a lot of football left in me,” he emphasized. Galway United is excited about the signing of Cunningham, who brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team’s pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
Galway United sealed the deal of the summer transfer window this week when the Tribesmen announced on Tuesday morning that Galway native and former Republic of Ireland international Greg Cunningham had signed for the club on an 18-month contract.
The Carnmore native made four appearances for the Republic of Ireland and played in the Premier League with Manchester City before enjoying a glittering career in the English Championship with clubs including Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Preston North End during a 17-year spell across the pond.
The move to United was a bit like Dorothy and the ruby slippers. Cunningham admitted at his unveiling at the city’s Connacht Hotel on Tuesday morning that the temptation to return home after almost two decades in England and Wales was too great to resist.
“It’s a great honor for me to be here, it’s great to be home. There are many factors that have played a role, but for me it’s huge to be home again. I’ve been away for a long time, 17 years, much longer than I’ve been home, so it’s nice to be back.
“I’ve got a young family, I’m married and we’re both from Galway, so there was always that temptation to come home,” he said. He is married to Craughwell-born Cathriona Farrell, herself a highly successful track and field athlete who represented Ireland at the European Youth Olympics and set five national records in the high jump during her career. The new United man says it was a “team” decision to return home.
“We are very happy with the decision we have made. We have talked about moving back to England, and certainly from a financial point of view that would have been the right move, but it is important that the dialogue remains open. We have had honest conversations about my future over the last few years.
“The club (United) are in a position where it’s an exciting time and I’m at an age where I feel like I can still offer so much in terms of playing. I’m not coming home to retire or to tick a few boxes, I’ve still got a lot of football left in me,” he said.
Pictured: New Galway United signing Greg Cunningham pictured at Eamonn Deacy Park this week. Photo: Ray Ryan/Sportsfile.
