Maree Oranmore FC (MOFC ) was founded in early 2005 after a public meeting to discuss interest in forming a football club in the community.
Founding members included Martin Horgan (RIP ), Fr Adrian McGrath, Liam O’Carroll, Tom Broderick and Joe Broder. The initial meeting was attended by over 100 people and led to the formation of a working group to get things moving. An open day held in April 2005 attracted 200 children, marking the beginning of a properly constructed, community-based club.
The club competes in the Galway FA League. Maree Oranmore FC have over 1,200 people registered, togging out 56 teams across all age groups from U11 through to Senior Men’s and Ladies' Teams, as well as Over 35 and Over 42 Squads. The club has a thriving academy running every Saturday morning for the kids from five- to 10 years of age as well as the Soccer Sprouts for the pre-schoolers. The club is also proud of the fantastic work that Brian Moran and Mike Quirke have done with the “Football for All” programme.
It was great to see several players gain international recognition this season, with Ava Mullins, Ava Gallagher and Ronan Keating all picking up International Caps, with Ronan captaining his country and scoring his first goal against Greece just before Christmas.
In terms of investment, the club opened a 4G 11-a-side pitch several years ago which still is best in class across the west of Ireland. From October 2023 to June 2024, they ran a ‘Win a Home in Oranmore’ competition which generated over €1.55m in revenue and cleared a profit for the Club of €750k after all operating costs. All was invested in completing the new 5-a-side, 9-a-side astros and community walkway adjacent to the 11-a-side pitch in Maree.
The club has Brian Carey and Olivia Breene as co-chairs with John Gillen as vice chair. Co-treasurers in Paul McDermott and Fergus Kelleher, with Niall McBride serving as lead secretary, supported by Brian Murray who is girls secretary. Ciara Stapleton holds the post of child welfare officer and Mike Quirke is director of football. The club was recently awarded FAI Club Mark 1 Star Status, a reflection of the quality of governance, coaching and investment in facilities that have been made over many, many years.
Despite all that has been achieved, the contribution of Martin Horgan, who sadly passed away two years ago, must be specifically highlighted. It’s no exaggeration to call Martin the 'founding father' of the club and MOFC would not have become the success it has without his unwavering commitment.
Finally, a particular note of thanks to the sponsors in the local community.
