Billy Clery appointed Galway WFC manager

Galway WFC have appointed former Galway United Captain Billy Clery as manager succeeding Don O’Riordan who left the club in December 2016.

 

Clery had previously played under O’Riordan when the latter managed the men’s senior side.

 

Galway finished fifth in the shortened 2016 season, amassing only three wins in the campaign, finishing 11 points behind Wexford Youths in fourth.  

 

A native of Galway, Clery was an inspirational captain and centre-half for Galway United. He also had a spell as caretaker manager in 2008 following Jeff Kenna’s departure to St. Patrick’s Athletic F.C, and in 2010 was a member of Sean Connors’ management team.

 

Clery made his League of Ireland debut for Galway United at the age of 16 in 1992. His impact on the National League was an explosive one. He scored on his debut in Drogheda and was sent off the following week after a tussle with Shamrock Rovers' Alan Byrne.

 



Maz Sweeney from Fanad, Co. Donegal has been appointed assistant manager. She is the current Futsal co-ordinator with the WSCAI and a former player with IT Sligo, Athlone IT and Castlebar Celtic WFC. She was also part of the Ireland Under-19 management team and coached at the 2015 World University Games.

 

Talking to Galway Bay FM after the unveiling, Clery was excited about the fresh challenge that managing a Women’s National League side will bring.

 

“I’m delighted the club gave me the opportunity. It’s one of the few elite football teams in Galway so I said why not, give it a chance, it’s something new. It’s a little bit out of my comfort zone but delighted to get the chance.”

 



With Sadhbh Doyle nominated for Young Player of the Year, and Chloe Moloney named in the 2016 Continential Tyres Team of the Year, Clery is aware of the talent already within the side.

 

“The nucleus of a team is here. We’ve numerous U17 internationals, U19 internationals, senior internationals. I’m delighted to have Maz [Sweeney] involved. She has huge experience in the women’s game.

 

“Over the next couple of days, we will be contacting all the players that were here last year, all the local players that we lost in the last few years and also some players from outside to bring them in so we can freshen things up. The plans are afoot.”