Galway United has announced that highly-experienced UEFA Pro Licence holder Lisa Fallon has been appointed as the team’s new Head Coach.
Fallon is coming to United after successful spells at Chelsea FC, Cork City FC and with Dublin GAA’s Senior Footballers.
It was as part of the backroom team at Cork where she previously worked with John Caulfield during a highly successful run.
They helped shepherd the club to wins in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup double in 2017, FAI Cup in 2016 and three President’s Cups.
John Caulfield said that he has seen significant development in Lisa Fallon’s coaching style since they last worked together.
“Her time in England has transformed her into a top coach and has given her the understanding and belief to coach at this level.
“Over there she was operating in the highest learning environment and it is clear to me that now is the right time for her to show her qualities which I believe in. I am delighted to have her on board.”
In the UK she was part of Chelsea FC women’s technical staff when the club won the WSL and Continental League Cup double in 2020.
Fallon was also part of Jim Gavin’s all-conquering Dublin senior football team that won the All-Ireland Football Championship, Leinster Senior Football Championship and Allianz National Football League in 2018 prior to her departure to England.
Following her time at Chelsea, Fallon became Head Coach of FA Women’s Championship side, London City Lionesses, but she made the decision to return to Ireland prematurely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking about her appointment as Head Coach, Fallon said that there are fantastic people, and huge potential, at United, and that she’s excited by the “plans, ambition and possibilities” with the club.
“I’ve worked with John before and I know the high standards he demands. We’ve an exciting squad and a brilliant backroom team and although the club came very close to promotion last season, we know that absolutely everything has to go up a gear for the 2021 campaign.”
Fallon is the first female head coach in the history of Galway United, calling it a “very proud moment” for her and her family.
“But really, my focus is totally on the players and working with everyone here to make sure we are ready for pre-season and for a strong league campaign.”
I’m grateful to John, the Board and all the Galway United supporters for this opportunity. I feel ready and know it will challenge me to draw on all of my experiences over the years but I’m really looking forward to that.”
“I love the game, I love the League of Ireland and I love winning football matches. That’s what we are here to do.”
