NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS NATIVE, Callum McNamara has signed for Galway Utd.
McNamara makes the move from Treaty Utd to Galway Utd in what will be a full-time role for the twenty one year old.
It brings an end to his two year stint with the Limerick club where he developed into a fan favourite, making fifty six appearances and scoring once for Tommy Barrett’s side, of these appearances twenty two were in his debut season in the League of Ireland.
How the Treaty Utd squad was initially assembled in February 2020 is itself an interesting tale with Barrett tasked with finalising a twenty six man squad in three days. McNamara’s role in the set-up was initially in doubt after a mix-up had the manager preparing to have a squad of twenty five which would have the seen TUS student miss out, “He had a good attitude but no experience. We had to shed 7-8kg off him because he was too strong,” Barrett recalled in a previous interview with the BBC.
Much has changed since then with Callum standing out in the First Division of the LOI, prompting Galway Utd to snap up the midfielder while Sligo Rovers had been tipped as a potential destination.
Last season, Callum continued to be a central player for Treaty Utd, a run which included making the FAI Cup semi-final where they lost to eventual winners Derry City. He missed out on just two league games for Treaty as he took up a more defensive role.
On his move to Eamonn Deacy Park, Callum said, “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve played against Galway United a few times in the last couple of years and I understand how big of a club it is. The full-time aspect was a big draw for me, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to improve and help get the club promoted. Last year was probably my best year of football. First of all, I’m hoping to get into the team and then get some more goal involvements if I’m playing further up the pitch, I played a lot at centre-back last year. If I can get into midfield more then hopefully I can score some goals”.
Before bursting onto the scene in the LOI, Callum had proven his ability for Newmarket Celtic, beginning training with the A team at the age of fifteen. He lined out for the club’s top team for two seasons before signing with Treaty. He also represented his county at all levels.
Callum’s exit from Treaty follows fellow Clare men, Jack Lynch and Joe Collins departing the Markets Field. Lynch who was the club’s first captain has emigrated to Australia while Collins is headed for Barcelona.
At Galway Utd, he will be managed by John Caulfield who guided Cork City to win the Premier Division title, two FAI Cups and three President Cups. The new signing also strengthens the links between Newmarket-on-Fergus and Galway Utd, President Michael D. Higgins who was reared in Ballycar in the parish of Newmarket was formerly President of the club.
