CLUB HISTORY

Renmore A.FC was developed from a Community Games meeting in 1973 by former Honorary Club President, Bernard Shapiro (RIP), Mike Darcy and Tony Dilleen (Tony chaired the first ever Committee meeting of the club). Other founding members were Bernard's two sons Patrick and Bernard Jr, Tom Murphy, John Coll, brothers Damien and Paul Meaney, and Paul Gaughan. The eagle on the Renmore A.F.C. crest was chosen as an emblem of power.

Renmore the Club started as the Renmore Community Games Soccer team in February 1973. At that Community Games meeting when there was no response from the attendees for a soccer team manager, Bernard Shapiro, offered his services (although reluctantly as he had no association with a soccer team since 1941!). The team was formed with little difficulty with plenty of boys turning up for the first meeting outside Molloy's Shop. The team beat Salthill to reach the semi-finals in the Community Games and were beaten by Mervue FC in extra time, who went on to win the final.

Bernard thought that was the end of his career as a soccer manager. But at the final of the Galway Area of Community Games in the Grammar School (Mervue vs Ballinasloe), Joe Keating approached Bernard and invited him to a meeting of the new Juvenile Committee as Renmore Representative. Bernard had explained to Joe that due to work he would only be available for 3 weeks each month but he agreed to attend the first meeting. Word spread through school that Renmore were going to have a team of boys and Bernard was approached by those interested in playing for Renmore. Thus the formation of Renmore AFC had begun.

The playing fields were not yet available in 1973 to Renmore so training was in wasteland or at Dun Na Mara Park (now Dun Na Mara Drive). While no one actually told Bernard not to use this park, he continued to use it while he could. When the sports fields were handed over the GAA were on the mark and immediately ploughed up the big pitch for hurling. The only suitable area for a soccer pitch was the present area. Thus Renmore AFC started playing on the present pitches.

In July 1973, Renmore had 16 boys at U12/U13 and 6 weeks later it started the season with U13, U15 and U18 teams and one manager who was also the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

Bernard Shapiro was an extraordinary man whose legacy will be remembered for many years to come at Renmore AFC. By the time of his passing in December 2014 he had helped not only found Renmore Soccer Club but also helped in the establishment of the local Order of Malta branch in Renmore. Presented here is an article from the Connacht Tribune in honour of Mr Shapiro. Please click our picture link.

2018-2019

Renmore AFC won the U16 First Division League Championship after completing their league campaign with a 5-0 victory over Oughterard at Renmore and winning the Cup after completing the double in Deacy Park with a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Cregmore in the Championship/Division 1 cup final.

This win pulled the curtain down on a very successful season for this squad, securing the League and Cup double, promotion to the Premier League and reaching both the Connacht Cup and SFAI Regional Cup finals in addition to an extended run in the SFAI Cup proper.
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592689473407/904144809918187/?type=3&
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592689473407/887492368250098/?type=3&

Renmore B reached the 2018/19 Jack Lillis Cup Final in Eamonn Deacy Park narrowly losing out to East United on a scoreline of 2-1.
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592692806740/883655868633748/?type=3&

2017-2018

Renmore Under 14's won the Championship playoff final after Renmore Under 14 squad under manager Martin Greaney overcame Corrib Celtic.
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592692806740/666606647005339/?type=3&
Renmore First Team were Michael Byrne Cup Finalists where they were beaten 2-3 versus Salthill Devon.
U15's won the Division 1 league winning 3-1 against St Bernards in Abbeyknockmoy.
Under 14's played Cregmore Claregalway Football Club in the Under 14 Connacht Shield.
Renmore U13 League were crowned Champions

Renmore B - Division 4 beat Craughwell United 4-2 as manager Stuart Donoghue and the Renmore Junior B's gained promotion
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592692806740/626943527638318/?type=3&
Renmore Juniors won the Western Hygiene Division 1 as they beat Kinvara United 4-2 to be crowned Western Hygiene Supplies First Division Champions.
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/pcb.464061877259818/464061857259820/?type=
Renmore are officially champions after beating Moyne Villa 2-1 in Headford tonight thanks to goals from John Finnegan and Florian Jouffe.
Congratulations to all of the squad and management team!
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592689473407/452286578437348/?type=3&

Renmore U15s finished their season off with a 3-1 win against Corofin. With the league already wrapped up Corofin paid a fantastic mark of respect by forming a guard of honour as Renmore came onto the pitch.
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592689473407/452754611723878/?type=3&
https://www.facebook.com/renmore.afc/photos/a.108592689473407/449031682096171/?type=3&
Galway United under-15's Ian Casserly and Jack Greaney sign for the Galway United U-15 side
https://galwayunitedfc.ie/devlin-takes-15-squad-15/
First Team captain, Paddy Gannon represented Renmore AFC on the Galway Legends side who took on the Republic of Ireland Masters in Eamonn Deacy Park.

2012

U14 Connacht Cup
Galway &District League U-14 League
U14 Shapiro Cup
Galway & District League U-11 Cup
Galway&District league “Fair Play” Award
Renmore FC won the Under 14 Premier League cup at Renmore pitch. Renmore’ s last game was a 4-0 win against Colemanstown with goals from Ryan Forde and Aaron Moran whose shot from 25 yards, landed in the top left corner. In the second half Moran struck for his second and Man of the match Adam Quirke scored a great individual goal. Renmore won the league with points to spare over Barna and Mervue and overall a great season for the squad, winning Connaught and League cups.

2011

U16's win the U16 Connacht Shield Final against Corrib Celtic. Renmore 1 – Corrib Celtic 0.
Renmore U16's complete the double by winning the Galway U16's Cup Final. Renmore 2 - Hibs 2 (5 - 4 after penalties).
Team: Martin Boyce (coach ), Joe Healy , Ryan Burke, Colm Kirrane, Daniel Lenihan, Aaron Doyle , James Concannon, Eric Gannon, Shane Sheridan, David Lawal ,Tom Doyle(coach). Brendan Brennan, Evan Boyce, David Heffernan, Fionnan Gallagher , Cathal O’Regan (Capt), Michael Morris, Stephen O’Connor, Cillian Greaney.
The Shapiro Cup pre-season soccer tournament was held in Renmore in August. The event was for under 14 boys from Ballyboro (Longford), St. Francis (Athlone) and Shiven Rovers (Roscommon) as well as Renmore. The tournament was an all day event with all teams participating in 4 matches each with a 3rd/4th place play off followed by the final. Shiven Rovers and St. Francis played for 3rd place, with Renmore and Ballyboro reaching the final. After an entertaining game Renmore won out by 5 goals to 3 against the Longford team. Renmore’s success on the day was inspired by a complete squad performance with great work from Cian Garret, Aaron Moran, Dara Mulgannon and rock solid at the back Eoin O’Donovan who won player of the tournament.

2010

Renmore U16s sweep to glory in Shield final. RENMORE’S U16 Soccer team created history last weekend when they travelled to Strandhill in Sligo to capture the club’s first ever Connacht Shield title with a 6-2 victory over Leitrim side Manor Rangers.
The official opening of the Renmore AFC Clubhouse took place on Saturday 17th July. This was a very significant day in the history of Renmore AFC and the club was delighted to welcome the whole community on a glorious Saturday afternoon to celebrate this event. The opening was officiated by Mr. John Delaney CEO of the F.A.I, Councilor Michael J Crowe Mayor of Galway City and Chairman of Renmore AFC. Fr. Mulkerrins of Renmore Parish blessed the building. Fr. Mulkerrins of Renmore Parish blessed the building.

2009

Renmore under 10's lost out in the final of the Lydon Cup at a blustery Mervue last Saturday to a strong Barna A team. In the play off sections Renmore over came Mervue, Foyle Hibs and Colga. At the quarter finals stage Renmore won 3-1 against Cregmore/Claregalway with goals from Dara Mulgannon, Eoin O Donnovan and Ryan Forde. In the semis against Kinvara two goals from Cathal Joyce secured a place in the final. In the final, Barna scored early and were leading 2-0 at half time. In the second half Renmore pressed on but could not break down the Barna denfence. Final score 4-0.
Renmore U14s emerged victorious in a thrilling playoff to the first division. The team had been very unfortunate to lose on penalties after extra time in the Connaught Shield Final.

2008

Republic of Ireland Under-16 manager Vincent Butler named a 17-player squad for the opening game of the new season, a friendly match against Wales. The Irish team began their season by drawing 2-2 with the Welsh on Thursday, August 30th, 2007 in Port Talbot. They had been 2-0 ahead inside the opening 23 minutes. Butler brought an 18-player squad to Turkey for another two friendly matches on Tuesday, September 18th and Thursday, September 20th. Renmore's Rory Gartlan played in both of the Turkey games.
Saturday 22nd September proved to be a very interesting day in Ladies soccer in Terryland Park as First Division League winners Tribes took on Renmore in a very entertaining Divisional Cup Final. Tribes 3 - 1 Renmore (aet)
Renmore U14's Secure the League Title in May! Renmore 2 West Coast 1. On Thursday 22nd May in Terryland Park, Renmore U14's added the 1st Division Cup to the League Winners Title to complete the double.
The Ladies Soccer Team have won the First Division Cup Final. They beat Cois Farraige 5 - 1 in Terryland Park on Wednesday, 8th October. Congratulations and well done to the team and coaches.
Packie Bonner turns the sod on Thursday, 20th November, 2008. At the event is Mike Crowe (Chairman, Renmore AFC), Mayor Padraig Conneelly, Tony Samuels (Chairman, Galway FA) and Packie Bonner (Technical Director, FAI).

2007

The Republic of Ireland U15 team lost the first match of their three-game trip to Qatar against the Aspire Academy when they were beaten 2-0 by their hosts.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U15s: Craig Sexton (Belvedere); Rory Gartlan (Renmore), Gareth Wallace (Wexford Albion), Jack Carty (Hodson Bay), Daniel Joyce (Belvedere); Jean Biamsumba (Confey), Stephen O’Donnell (Quay Celtic), Sean Skelly (Belvedere), Jordan Phillpott (Kilreen Celtic); Robert Brady( St. Kevin’s Boys), Conor Murphy (St. Kevin’s Boys). Subs: Jeffrey Hendrick (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Skelly (half-time), Ethan Mannion (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Biamsumba (50 mins), Eoin Wearan (St. Kevin’s Boys) for Phillpott (50 mins), Matt Doherty (Belvedere) for Carty (68 mins), Paul Whyte (Ballinroad) for Murphy (75 mins).

Ireland came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the first-half in their second game when denied by the woodwork on three occasions but Phillpott found the range in the 36th minute. Aspire Academy 0 - 1 Republic of Ireland. Republic of Ireland U15s: Keith Wright (WFTA) ; Rory Gartlan (Renmore) (above) ; Stephen O'Donnell (Quay Celtic) ; Daniel Joyce (Belvedere) ; Matt Doherty (Belvedere) ; Eoin Wearan (St. Kevin's Boys) ; Sean Skelly (Belvedere) ; Robert Brady (St. Kevin's Boys) ; Jordan Phillpott (Kilreen Celtic) ; Ethan Mannion (St. Kevin's Boys) ; Paul Whyte (Ballinroad). Subs: Jean Biamsumba - (Confey) for Mannion, 50 Mins ; Conor Murphy - (St.Kevins Boys) for Whyte (Both 50 mins) ; Jack Carty (Hodson Bay) for Gartlan (60 mins).

Galway City Council apply for planning permission for a much needed clubhouse for Renmore AFC. Under the 2007 Sports Capital Programme Renmore AFC has been allocated €170,000.
Renmore captured the Richard Quinn U-18 league with a 3-1 playoff win over local rivals Mervue. Both sides finished the league undefeated & level on points. So the league was decided by a playoff. Played: 7; Won: 6; Draw: 1; Lose: 0; Points 19. The Under 18 team also had a very successful run in the Connaught Cup competition reaching the semi-Final stage where they played the eventual winners Castlebar Celtic. Team: Terry Lee (Coach) David Curran,David O’Connell, Sean Gibbons,Mike Ward,Peter B Power,Paul Conroy(Cpt)William Walsh,James Connolly,Lorcan Carbin,Noel Hynes,Peter J Power (Manager). Eoin Concannon, Alan Flannelly, Alan Hanley,Alex Lee, Enda Burke, Alan Deacy (V.Capt) Joe Boyle, David Hurley, Colm Hickey, Padraic Hickey & Paul Pender.
Renmore Ladies were joint runners-up in the First Division and narrowly beaten in extra time in the Cup Final by the Tribes.

2006

The U14 and U15 teams travel to the Solar World Cup in Liverpool. Renmore were the Division 2C West League Winners and Division 2C Cup Winners.
November 2006 - Renmore AFC player Rory Gartlan played in the U -15 Republic of Ireland Squad in 2 friendly games, on the 28th and 30th November, against Holland in Dublin.
The Renmore website renmoreafc.com is launched!.

2001

U11: Lydon House Cup
U12: Connacht Cup Winners, Jimmy Melia Cup
U14: Solar travel World Cup, Knockout Cup
U16: Knockout Cup
1997/1998
Renmore also became Division 2C League winners and the Division 2C Cup Finalists.
In 1998, the Premier League trophy was won for the second time in three years, the side managed by Dermot Coll.

1997

U14's won McDonalds Gaillaimh U14 League, managed by Ted Alone and Vinny Byrne.
Further success followed when the Junior side captured the Connacht Senior Cup, defeating Senior League side Salthill Devon in a replay in Terryland Park. The side was managed by Dermot Coll. This was a great achievement for a Junior club. On the way, they beat Ballyglass 3-1 (Noel Greaney, Paul langan and Eoin Keane scoring) and Manulla 1-0 (Ciaran Connelly) and Calry Bohs5-4 on penalties.
Two weeks later the same side was victorious in the Michael Byrne Cup final in Mc Sharry Park, Sligo, defeating Calry Bohs of Sligo.
At juvenile level, the U -14 side captured the league and cup double while the U -13 side was narrowly beaten in their league final. It was another good year for the club!

1996

Renmore A.F.C. won the Heineken Premier League title for the first time in the clubs history – a great occasion for manager Justin Neary and the club. The final game in the league was against Hibernians where Renmore drew 2-2. Noel Greaney and John Walsh were the scorers in the final game.

1995

In March 1995, the Juniors played Kilmore in the FAI Junior Cup in Baskin Lane. Kilmore were a goal down with 3 minutes on the clock when Ger Derby from Kilmore scored 2 late free kicks to win the cup 2-1. Brian Kelly was Renmore's goalscorer.
In June 1995, the Renmore Soccer Squad and three quest players left Galway for the International Soccer Tournament in Tamasi Hungary, representing the Republic of Ireland. The side was managed by Justin Neary. Players included Eoin Noone, Ollie Neary, John Walsh, Mark Herrick, Alan O Shaughnessy, Ciaran Connelly, Mike Noone, Noel Greaney, Done Farragher, Mike Newell, Paul Bruton, Dermot Coll, Pat Lohan and oein Keane. Chairman Kevin McCaffrey also travelled. Eight countries participated . Renmore was grouped with Germany and Turkey and Hungary. They were victorious in the decider, having defeated the home side, Hungary. Scorers in the final were John Walsh, Paul Bruton, Alan O Shaughnessy with an 18 yard screamer, and Donie Farragher.
The squad raised £6,000 in sponsorship and all kit was sponsored by O Neills.

1994

The Junior side, managed by Ray McDonnell, achieve noteable success in the F.A.I. Junior Challenge Cup. Renmore captured the Bank of Ireland FAI Junior Cup Galway Area trophy in January 1994, defeating local rivals Hibernians 2-1 in the final, held at the Digital Grounds. John Walsh and Noel Greaney were Renmores goalscorers on the day.
This side progressed to the semi-final of the prestigious national Bank of Ireland FAI Junior Cup competition only to be defeated by eventual winners Clonmel Town, having beaten fancied side Coachford from the Cork Athletic Union Football League by 1-0 in Turners Cross in Cork on 13th February (Donagh McCaffrey scorer) and then Clones Town 1-0 in the quarters at the Digital Grounds on Sunday 6th March. (Conor Molloy scorer).Renmore played Clonmel in Limerick on Saturday 16th April.
This was a great achievement for the club by any standards.
The team included Goal: Martin Greaney, Mike Newell, Defence: Paul Greaney, Noel Greaney, Mike Noone, Tom Molloy, Conor Molloy, John Walsh, Paul Bruton, Midfield: Donagh McCaffrey, Own Noone, Pat Lohan, Forward: Kevin Carr, Dermot Coll, Benny Fahy, Gareth Beatty, Alan O shaughnessy, Brendan Duffy, Paul Langan.

1992

The Junior side were beaten 2-1 by Hibernians in the Bank of Ireland FAI Junior Cup in the Area semi-final. The game was decided by penalties.
Juniors were also runners up in the Joe Ryan Cup, losing to Hibernians.
The Juniors also got to the final of the Bernard Concar Cup in Mervue. Renmore beat Cresent United in QFs (6-5 on penalties), Mervue Seniors (penalties) and lost 2-1 to Hibs in the final, Tom Molloy scoring. Martin Greaney got Player of the Tournament.

1991

The Juniors won the Reserve league title again in 1991 beating Hibernians 2-1 in the final. Team was John Langan, Mike Noone, Neil McCaffrey, Paul Clabby, Ger Prendergast, Laurence Kelehan, Gearoid Geary, MArk Burke, Tommy Walsh, Justin Neary (Manager), Mike Canavan, Ciaran Connelly, Joe O Sullivan, Mark KAvanagh, Adrian Murphy, Ivor Stephens.

1980

In 1980, a Renmore squad reached the final of the Community Games and lost to Cork by a last minute goal in the final.
The Juniors won the Reserve league title again in 1981.
Due to a lack of adult involvement in the early 80s, there were few juvenile successes. Schoolboy football picked up with the involvement of Justin Neary, Rob Alone, Donagh McCaffrey, Ivor Benson and Mike Noone.
The mid eighties saw the Junior side achieve further success with victory in both the Duignan and Quincintenial Cups in 1984, managed by a youthful Vinnie Hopkins.
In 1988, Renmore U -15 side, managed by Dermot Coll and captained by Mark Herrick, won the Wickham Connacht Cup, defeating Castlebar Celtic on a 3 – 2 scoreline in Renmore. The winning team included Cathal Jordon, Ivor and Garrett Stephens, Eoin Corcoran, Mark McNally, Niall Fallon, Paul Clabby, Enda Gallagher, Mark Kelly, Mark Herrick and Eoin Noone.

1978-1979

In January of 1979 the U15 won the Jim Murphy Cup.
On the Friday of the Whit Weekend (First weekend June), the Junior side won the Schweppe’s Cup beating Salthill Devon, on the Saturday the U-17 side collected the Richard Quinn trophy (5 of the U17s also played in the Junior side on Friday night), and on Whit Monday the U-15 side traveled to Sligo and brought home the Joe Wickham Connacht Cup to Renmore Avenue. Jimmy Nolan and John Naughton from the U15 squad went on to play for Galway United.
For the record, the goal scorers of that weekend, who will be forever etched in local folklore, were as follows: Paul Greaney, who snatched the only score in the Junior’s Schweppes Cup victory over Salthill Devon; Tommy Walsh’s extra time winner against Corrib Shamrocks in the U -17 decider after Mike Hasset had earlier headed home during normal time; and Jimmy Nolan who scored the winner in Sligo in the Joe Wickham U -15 Cup final, the first Renmore side to win a Connacht Cup title.
The Renmore Juniors won the Reserve title in 1979.

RENMORE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

RENMORE AFC CHRONOLOGY