Brendan Clarke and Patrick Hickey to Return for the 2025 Season

Galway United are thrilled to announce that both Brendan Clarke and Patrick Hickey will be returning for the 2025 campaign

At an exclusive Galway United Co-Op Q&A event held at the Connacht Hotel earlier tonight, Manager John Caulfield confirmed that the two crucial players have signed on for next season. The night was particularly special for Brendan, who was presented with the Galway United Player of the Year award, organised by the Co-Op and sponsored by O’Brien’s Newsagents.

Brendan Clarke, who also earned a spot in the 2024 PFAI Team of the Year, has been a standout performer in goal for United. He finished the season with an impressive 16 clean sheets—the joint-highest in the league, tying with Shelbourne, the eventual league champions. Clarke also played every single minute this season, totaling to 36 league games.

Clarke has become an indispensable figure in United’s backline, which conceded just 29 goals this season—the second-fewest in the league, bested only by the champions who conceded only two fewer. At 39 years old, Brendan is showing no signs of slowing down, having being awarded as the  Galway United Men’s Player of the Season as well as being included in the 2024 PFAI Men’s Team of the Year, cementing his reputation as one of the top keepers in the country. We’re thrilled to have Clarke back for another year, and he’s equally pleased to continue with United. He shared his thoughts at the Q&A earlier this evening:

“It was a really enjoyable season, really good group to work with on and off the pitch, people are ready to go for war for each other on the pitch and in the end a successful season.” 

“I’m delighted [to be returning], John came to me last week to see where I am at, I have a lad at home who is just starting first year next year so there had to be discussions but everybody was on the same page but once that was all cleared up it was a case of getting something done with John and I am absolutely delighted and looking forward for next season already.“

In addition to our Player of the Year, another fan favourite, Patrick Hickey, has been a key performer. Recently nicknamed “American Boy” after Estelle’s 2008 hit, Hickey has made quite the impact, particularly over the summer scoring four goals and providing four assists this season. He played a total of 1,717 minutes, with 18 starts and 14 appearances as a substitute.

In the second half of the season, Hickey evolved from a Centre-back/defensive midfielder into an attacking midfielder/striker. The 26-year-old then won three consecutive Player of the Month awards over the summer, thanks to some key goals against Derry City and Shamrock Rovers. His adaptability has been impressive, and he’s become a fixture in the starting XI since signing in early 2024 from Athlone Town. We’re thrilled to welcome Hickey back, and he’s excited for another season too. Here’s what he shared at the Q&A:

“It was a brilliant season, we say it sometimes that it felt like the season both flew by and lasted forever at the same time, some days were long but the weeks were very short but it’s incredible group, an incredible technical team and no stone gets left unturned, a pleasure to work with everybody this year”

“I am so happy to be back, it was a great year the people, the city, and all my teammates were so welcoming and made me feel at home from day one. I’m excited now to go and raise the expectations, face the challenge of next season head on, and give it our best shot.”