Galway teams had competed in national competitions for a number of years, and Galway W.F.C. joined the Women's National League for the 2013-2014 season.[3] At the end of 2022, the club announced they had "reluctantly decided not to apply for inclusion in next season's SSE Airtricity Women's National League", due to additional costs.[4] Chair Stephan Moran included in the statement the hope that "that other individuals or entities [would] take up the mantle to continue the tradition of senior and underage women's football in Galway in 2023".[4] On September 13, 2022, Galway United announced that they were disappointed with the news of Galway W.F.C.'s demise, and would begin a "process of dialogue with all interested stakeholders" to explore options to ensure Galway was represented in women's football and senior and underage levels.[5] On October 5, the club announced they would be launching women's teams for the first time, entering a senior team in the Women's National League in 2023 and underage teams at u-17 and u-19 level.[1]
Former Galway W.F.C. assistant manager Phil Trill was confirmed as Galway United's first-ever senior women's team manager on December 3, saying "I’m delighted to have this opportunity. To be the first ever manager to take a women’s team into Galway United is very exciting".[6] Lynsey McKey was confirmed as club captain, with Jenna Slattery and Therese Kinnevey as vice-captains, ahead of the start of the season.[7] Galway United played their first official game at home at Eamon Deacy Park on March 4, losing narrowly to Wexford Youths.[8] The club tasted success in their debut season, defeating Cliftonville 1-0 to win the All-Island Cup at The Showgrounds, with Gemma McGuinness scoring the winning goal.[9] The club finished fourth in its first season in the Women's National League,[10] with midfielder Jenna Slattery being named in the 2023 Premier Division Team of the Year, and forward Jodie Griffin winning the TG4 Goal of the Year award. [11]
Phil Trill
