Galway United release new jersey in tribute to late assistant manager
Black jersey in honour of Ollie Horgan is being sold in support of Cancer Care West
Galway United have unveiled a new jersey today in memory of their former assistant manager, Ollie Horgan, and they will debut it in tonight's Premier Division game at home to Shelbourne (7.45pm).
The special edition jersey is being released in partnership with Cancer Care West, with each sale contributing to towards the work of the charity.
The black jersey has the name 'Ollie' printed centrally at the top of the front jersey between the club crest and manufacturer logo; while the words 'passion', hard work', and 'integrity' are on the hem.
On the back of the jersey, the name 'Horgan' and the number 25 are included, as well as a stripe featuring the blue and white colours of Salthill - Ollie was a native of Dalysfort Road in Salthill.
He was one of the most highly-respected figures in the League of Ireland, and the entire football community on this island, through his roles at Finn Harps and United in the league; as well as with the FAI Schoolboys' set-up.
Having served as manager of Finn Harps from 2013 to 2022, before joining United as assistant manager to John Caulfield ahead of the 2023 season.
United went on to win the First Division title in that year, before recording a highest league finish in decades when finishing fifth in the 2024 Premier Division.
On the back of the jersey, the name 'Horgan' and the number 25 are included, as well as a stripe featuring the blue and white colours of Salthill - Ollie was a native of Dalysfort Road in Salthill.
He was one of the most highly-respected figures in the League of Ireland, and the entire football community on this island, through his roles at Finn Harps and United in the league; as well as with the FAI Schoolboys' set-up.
Having served as manager of Finn Harps from 2013 to 2022, before joining United as assistant manager to John Caulfield ahead of the 2023 season.
United went on to win the First Division title in that year, before recording a highest league finish in decades when finishing fifth in the 2024 Premier Division.
The hugely popular school-teacher continued his work with the club's senior men's side for as long as he could in 2025, before finally having to step down because of ill health. His last game on the sideline was the 3-0 defeat away to Bohemians on July 11 last year; and he died just over a month later on August 28 at the age of 57.
Galway United's first game back in last year after his death was away to Shelbourne in Tolka Park 10 days after he died, so it is fitting that the club has chosen to debut the new jersey this evening.
It will be on sale from the club shop at the ground, with gates opening at Eamonn Deacy Park at 6.30pm.
The jersey as designed by club designer, Morgan O'Brien, the man who has been behind so many of the club's iconic jerseys over the years; and who was also the designer for the Eamonn 'Chick' Deacy memorial programme in 2012 that was produced as part of the renaming of Terryland Park, with the publication going on to win the FAI Programme of the Year.
"Ollie was often seen in his black, Celtic-style training jacket at Galway United, a look that became part of his identity on the sideline," outlines Morgan on the club website.
Passion, hard work, and integrity were the qualities most often used to describe Ollie
"It symbolised pride, resilience, and a strong connection to tradition. When designing this kit, I returned to that image repeatedly. The brief became clear. Keep it simple. Keep it strong. Create something grounded in the values he stood for rather than decorative flourishes.
"Passion, hard work, and integrity were the qualities most often used to describe Ollie. He lived those values daily, not only in how his teams performed, but in how he treated people. They defined his approach and earned him deep respect across Irish football.
"Those words are captured in a bespoke hem tag. It is deliberately subtle, stitched into the fabric rather than displayed loudly. That felt appropriate. The message is there for those who look closely.
"Ollie was a rare figure who needed no surname. In football circles, simply saying “Ollie” was enough. As a designer, placing a single name on the chest was a conscious choice. No embellishment. No explanation. Just the name.
"It reflects the unique place he held in Irish football and the simplicity that defined him," Morgan explains.