Players may come and go but Galway United fans will always advocate for our academy alumni wherever they move on to ply their trade in football. This season, former Tribesmen Ryan Manning and Dara Costelloe have been regular starters in the EFL, Manning featuring in all but two of Southampton’s fixtures picking up 4 goals and 3 assists at the time of writing (not to mention playing a key role in Ireland’s ongoing World Cup qualification campaign), while Costelloe has been ever-present for League One side Wigan Athletic with 4 goals in 28 appearances for the Latics so far.
Further north we find another pair of former United players flying the flag at Premier League level. Having left Deacy Park for England back in June 2022 having been a regular for John Caulfield in the two seasons prior, Alex Murphy’s career continues to blossom at Newcastle United and since making his Premier League debut in November 2023 when he came on as a second-half substitute in a 4–1 win over Chelsea, Alex has consistently trained with and been a part of Eddie Howe’s first-team, while also enjoying a 6-month loan spell at League One Bolton Wanderers last season.
He was rewarded with a long-term contract in May 2024, and this season the former Corrib Celtic man has been named on the bench in all of Howe’s matchday squads since November, making two cameo appearances in the League Cup including a solid display during Newcastle’s narrow 2-1 Quarter Final victory over Fulham at St. James’ Park. Injuries to Dan Burn, Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier have propelled Murphy to become essential cover during Newcastle’s intense run of fixtures, with the form of England international Lewis Hall the only thing preventing Alex from gaining more first-team minutes in a black and white shirt. Manager Eddie Howe is a clearly big fan of the Annaghdown native, and is very much reliant on Alex with his side having repeatedly had to endure three games a week as the Magpies continue to compete on all fronts across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup this season.
“In an important moment for the team Alex did really well. He’s trained with us for a long time but hasn’t had any major game exposure with us. He’s had a lot of training time, a lot of development and a good loan spell. He’s someone we trust and performances like that will do him good for the long term.” Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports after Alex Murphy helped the Magpies seal a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup Quarter Final.
Kyle Fitzgerald became the latest United youngster to make the move across the Irish Sea when he too joined Newcastle United on his 18th birthday in January 2025. Having progressed rapidly through the GUFC academy system, Kyle made two first team appearances for John Caulfield’s side in the 2024 season and was highly coveted by a number of clubs before the Magpies won the race for his signature.
“We are delighted Kyle has chosen to join the club amidst lots of interest from other big clubs. He has impressed during a trial period with the Academy and we are very pleased he is joining us at this crucial stage of his career.” Steve Harper, Newcastle United Academy Director.
Paul Madden 