Local star McGuinness joins Galway United
Dara McGuinness is embarking on a new sporting challenge after signing for Premier Division outfit Galway United.
Monksland native McGuinness joins Galway from Finn Harps, having previously been with Stoke City, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic.
Dara began his sporting journey at the Monksland-based St Joseph’s FC and Belvedere of Dublin, before progressing through the academies of St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers. McGuinness made his senior debut for St Pat’s in 2019 in a 4-0 win against Athlone Town.
Welcoming Dara to the club, Galway United FC outlined his background in football, stating that he made eight appearances for Ireland at U16 and U18 level.
"Dara also caught the attention of many clubs across Europe and he ended up moving to England with Stoke City. He signed his first professional contract with Stoke City in July 2022. Dara played a key role for the Potters’ underage sides, primarily their U21, scoring 11 goals in his time there, including a brace against Arsenal U21s," said Galway United.
Recalling his time with Stoke, Dara said at his signing announcement: "I played against some top clubs and players like Myles-Lewis Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal, I actually scored a brace against them."
In January 2025, Dara moved to Finn Harps, contributing six goals in 14 First Division appearances, including a brace in the Donegal side's 4-2 win over Kerry this season.
“I really enjoyed my time at Finn Harps and got some games under my belt and I’m delighted to be at Galway United now,” Dara told the Galway United website.
The 21‑year‑old striker had interest from a few different clubs and asked why he chose Galway, Dara said: “Galway United is a huge club and it’s not too far from my home which is lovely. I’m from Athlone which is not too far away and I lived there all my life really. Galway is a great place and I really like what John’s doing here; it’s a hardworking team and I hope I can fit in well and score a few goals.”
On his playing style, Dara said: “I like to work hard, and I like to use my pace to run in behind. Hopefully I can get a few goals while I’m at it. I’m looking forward to getting to play now, hopefully get on the pitch, get out in front of the fans and get a few goals hopefully.”
The Galway United manager is Lecarrow native John Caulfield, who is also renowned for his time as a player and manager with Cork City.
Galway host Waterford at Eamonn Deacy Park in the Premier Division tonight (Friday), but it remains to be seen if McGuinness will feature or if he will have to bide his team to make his debut.
A son of Helen and Marc McGuinness, Dara is a past-pupil of Cloonakilla NS and Coláiste Chiaráin, Athlone, and he has two brothers, Shay and Cian.
Shay plays for Clann na nGael and he was part of this year's Roscommon minor football team which won the Connacht title and reached the All-Ireland semi-final, where they lost out to eventual champions Tyrone.