Galway United can confirm that Academy graduate Cillian Tollett has completed a move to Serie A side Bologna for an undisclosed initial six-figure fee.

Tollett joined Galway United from local side Oughterard AFC at the age of 13 and progressed through the Club's Academy, representing United at U14, U15, U17 and U20 level before making the step into senior football.

He made his Galway United senior debut against St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park in October 2024, aged just 16, before signing his first professional contract with the club later that year.

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Since then, Tollett has continued to develop within the senior game while also representing the Republic of Ireland at multiple underage levels. He has played for Ireland from U15 through to U19 level, scoring at U16, U17 and U19 level.

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His progression has continued in 2026 with a successful loan spell to Athlone Town. The move to the Midlands side has provided Tollett with regular first-team football and the opportunity to develop in a senior environment. His performances have seen him establish himself as an important attacking player for Athlone, scoring 6 league goals.

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His performances have now earned him the opportunity to take the next step in his career with Bologna.

First Team Manager John Caulfield said:
“We’re delighted for Cillian to have signed a deal with Bologna. It’s fantastic for another one of our players who have come through the academy system so successfully. We identified him a couple of years ago as a player with great potential. After his debut, he was awarded a professional contract and went on to make 12 appearances for our first team.

We felt that, for his development, it was better to get regular game time in the First Division this season, and we’re very happy with the way it has worked out; his game has improved over the last eight months.

He has a fantastic opportunity; going into the Serie A will be an interesting and challenging next chapter of his career, but he’s well capable of going to a higher level. Obviously, with Alex Murphy, Kyle Fitzgerald and now Cillian, that’s three players over the last three years that have moved on. We’re trying to reward our players from the academy so that they can take the next step into our first team. It’s a massive challenge, but the opportunity is there for them all”

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Cillian Tollett said:
“I want to say a huge thanks to all of the coaches and people involved to helping me progress to this next step in my career. Huge thanks to the supporters for always turning up and I'll hopefully get to see everyone soon. Thanks again for everything, wishing everyone at Galway United the very best of luck for the rest of the season. Ciao”

Tollett's move represents another landmark achievement for our player development pathway. Initially starting with Oughterard AFC, joining the Academy at thirteen and then working his way up into the Senior Men's side.

He follows a growing list of Galway United Academy graduates who have gone on to play at the highest levels of the game, including Alex Murphy and Kyle Fitzgerald in recent years.

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Everyone at Galway United wishes Cillian every success with Bologna and looks forward to following his continued development in Italy and throughout his career.