Over fifty years ago a small group of residents sat around a table in Hyacinth D\'Arcy\'s house at McDonagh Avenue and set about forming a soccer club for the youth of the then small suburb on the east side of Galway City. Among those that were present at the memorable meeting were Willie Kilkelly, Frank Kelly, Joe Flaherty, Hyacinth D\'arcy all of whom have since passed to the great playing pitch in heaven, - Terry McSweeney (Rip), Jimmy O\'Connor (Rip) Tom D\'Arcy (Rip) and Pat Sullivan along with the then juvenile players Jackie Keane and Declan McDonnell.

Former Club Chairman Colie Smyth decs\'d who gave his all for the city underage structure and John Murphy were to come later, indeed of all the founding members present on that momentous occasion Declan McDonnell is the only remaining member to have given continuous service to Mervue A.F.C. as a player and an official over that period his tenure as chairman of the now highly regarded club which fields over 26 teams over all grades was marked by the club securing it\'s very own clubhouse.

Whilst Rovers and Bohemians were the kingpins of Galway soccer, Mervue did reach the final of the Schweppes cup in their very first year only to go down to Bohemians on a scoreline of 7 - 2 undaunted by this they pressed ahead with there ambitions until they were finally rewarded in 1965 with an under 13s Murphy cup win which they repeated in an historic three-in-a-row.

Just one year later in 1966 saw the Junior team achieve their first success in winning the Schweppes Cup - a famous victory which featured club stalwarts Pat Sullivan, Paddy Flanagan, Terry McSweeney, Willie Kilkelly,Christy O\'Connor,Paddy Beatty and Mick Halpin.

Playing Fields

As with all clubs around Galway in the Sixties, there were constant problems accommodating the many teams which were fielded each weekend. The situation for Mervue was no different, first operating out of a corner of the Redemptionist grounds one of the earlier games was played into a goalmouth made up of two trees which were the exact distance apart. With the assistance of Fr Jack O\'Connor the club made representations to the corporation who gave permission to play on part of the old SPS factory (now Crown) on Monivea road. This arrangement also saw the club share facilities with the newly formed Mervue Athletic Club. With the help of Mick Halpin, who gave them the use of his garage the club got serious, the result being some new and advanced training practices, Togging out twice a week!! 

The rewards soon came 1973/4 League victory - and Pierse Cup the result promotion to the Premier Division. Two years later a clean sweep of all local competitions a year later a run of 27 matches undefeated.

Winning trophies has never been a problem at Mervue, their record in the Lillis Cup presented in 1975 is unparalleled between 1975 - 1982 we won all but 2 Lillis Cups one of the clubs proudest records. 

50th Anniversary - September 2010 

Mervue Utd will celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary later this year (September) and to mark this historic occasion the club and former player and historian, Willie Henry, are currently putting together a book on the history of the club since it’s foundation in 1960.

You can also e-mail anything that might be of interest for the book to terryfla@live.ie

Once this book has been finalised we shall be updating the club history page and Roll of Honour page in greater detail.