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.
The following season, mainly through the efforts of Mr. Shapiro and Joe Keating the club had three teams competing in the local Galway F.A. Juvenile leagues as well as a Junior team.
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.
Renmore Juniors win the RORY McNULTY MEMORIAL CUP
Renmore U15 beat Kinvara 1-0 to win 2022/23 Division 2 U15 League Cup