The long-term future of Galway United is in doubt following their relegation from the Premier Division last night.
Galway United lost 4-3 against Dundalk in Eamonn Deacy Park in a game they needed to win to have any hope of retaining their top-flight status, but prior to the game sent out a worrying email to season ticket holders.
The email asked supporters to consider purchasing a match ticket and leaving their season tickets at home for the game, such was the need to increase gate revenue.
At the moment, and this is no real secret, the club once again finds itself in a desperate place and we really need your help. With the poor attendances we have suffered this year, our takings on the gate have been low and we now face a critical financial situation. So now we are asking something of you which is totally against our wishes and asking you to look to see if you can help us out.
Tonight sees our last home game this year, and it could well be our last home game in the Premier League, and maybe our last game for some foreseeable future and so we are asking if you would be willing to help out in a small, but potentially crucial way. If you are a season ticket holder, would you be willing to put your season ticket aside for one game and purchase a ticket instead? If you normally avail of a concession ticket, and you have the means for this one time only, would you consider purchasing a full price ticket? These simple acts could have far reaching positive consequences for the club.
Of course, as a current season ticket holder you are fully entitled to use your season ticket in the same manner as ever and not purchase a ticket, and if you purchase a concession ticket you will still be very much welcomed at Eamonn Deacy Park this evening as you always are, but we are hoping for the very future of Galway United that you may once more rally to the clubs call and help us out.
The Galway club had endured prolonged financial difficulty previously and in 2012 were forced to withdraw from the league. Following talks a merger between GUST, Salthill Devon, Mervue United and the GFA was agreed under the one umbrella of Galway FC. They were then promoted in 2015 and renamed as Galway United.
Suspicions of further financial trouble arose earlier this year when the club sold star central midfielder Lee Grace. At the time the club said they had agreed to the deal "with the long term future of the club in mind."
Fans have organised a fundraiser for next month where 35 supporters will attempt to visit every League of Ireland ground within 24 hours and raise €500 each.
