Galway Advertiser 2009/GA_2009_07_16/GA_1607_E1_010.pdf 

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www.advertiser.ie

July 16 2009

Italian role in Irish football continues as local pizza provides perfect topping for United
BY LINLEY MACKENZIE Galway United has received a much-needed financial boost from new sponsor Pat McDonagh and Papa John's Pizza. The founder of the successful fast-food chain Supermac's has stepped in to help United out for the rest of the season following the recent withdrawal of main sponsor O'Connell Drylining. The sponsorship of Galway's premier division football side is a new departure for McDonagh who is a long-time sponsor of Galway's senior, u-21 and minor hurling teams, through the Supermac's brand. At this week's announcement Pat McDonagh believed Galway United would come through its current financial difficultities. "Where there is a will, there is a way. Galway United can be proud of what it has achieved. It is on the brink of greater achievements. It is only a matter of confidence and making it happen. There is a great future and we will do anything we can do to help out," he said. A grateful United CEO Nick Leeson said in the current uncertain economic climate, the new sponsorship was a major boost. As United head into the second series of matches, he said, it gave United " the confidence to move forward, and explore a couple of different options" for its future. Leeson said the sponsorship is initially for the remainder of the season with hopes that it will continue for a further three years. The sponsorship would enable United to keep "ticking over" during the current economic dififculties. United, he said, had already "trimmed" its operation as much as it could, letting some staff go from its office, while three club players were also the subject of cross-channel interest. The players' new strip will be unveiled in a few days, while United hopes the new supporters' jerseys will be available at a discount next season. In addition three club players were also the subject of cross-channel interest, including Jay O'Shea who will line out
Galway United players (l-r) David Cooke, Sean Kelly, Ger Hanley, Shane Guthrie, and Cian McBrien at the launch of the Papa John's Pizza sponsorship of Galway United FC. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy.

Trial date set for armed raider
BY MARTINA NEE A date has been set for the trial of a Dublin man charged in connection with an armed raid on a businessman's home in Lackagh which took place earlier this year. The Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard last Tuesday that Thomas Freeman, with an address at 29 Deansrath Grove, Clondalkin, will now stand trial on December 1, 2009. The 54-year-old is charged with false imprisonment of Julian and Emma Flynn at their home in Lackagh, Turloughmore, Galway, on February 15 last. He was also charged with the robbery of cash amounting to 3,200. Earlier last month another seven charges were preferred against the accused. These included the false imprisonment of Nicholette and Jim Carroll and Mary Murphy along with the possession of a Zafar shotgun with intent to commit a robbery on the same night. Judge Raymond Groarke remanded Freeman in custody to await the trial which is expect to last three to four days.

for United on Sunday in the friendly against Millwall. It is understood three managers from English clubs will be at the match Darren Ferguson, son of Alex, who currently manages Peterborough; the former Juventus

player Paolo Sausa who is in charge of Swansea, and Middlesborough's Gordon McQueen. Papa John's sponsorship came within days of reports that a group of Manchester businessmen were interested in taking over the club that had

reported debts of 500,000. The first Galway United game with Papa John's as their main sponsor takes place tomorrow evening. Papa John's is giving the first 100 supporters that go through the Galway United gates free Papa John's pizza vouchers.