Salthill Devon are proud to announce that Greg Cunningham has been appointed manager of the club’s senior team for the newly formed Football Association Ireland (FAI) National League, commencing in August 2026
Greg Cunningham has amassed a wealth of experience at the highest level of the professional game, having forged his career as a youth player in Galway with Cregmore/Claregalway FC and Mervue United FC.
In total, Greg made over 350 appearances in England’s top three divisions as a player before returning to his hometown club, Galway United, during the 2024 season. At international level, the Carnmore native earned four caps for the Republic of Ireland senior team, having represented his country extensively at underage level.
Following his retirement at the end of the 2025 season, Greg has taken his first steps into management with Salthill Devon for the inaugural FAI National League season.
Greg inherits a hugely successful squad that has clinched silverware at both county and provincial levels in the past number of years. Salthill Devon has won the Galway League Premier Division in four of the past five seasons, as well as trophies including both the Connacht Senior and Junior Cups.
Speaking following the announcement, Salthill Devon manager Greg Cunningham said: “It's an exciting time for me to take this step into management, and I'm very grateful to the club for giving me this massive opportunity. It’s a challenge that I'm relishing.
“I was very lucky to have a great playing career and to be in the UK for so long. Finishing my career back here in Galway was great, and now starting this new chapter in my life is exciting.
“The infrastructure and standards have improved significantly since I first moved away, so it's great to see. The training ground and facilities here are very impressive by any standard. It’s great to start this journey here in Galway, and hopefully I can have success with this club.
“It’s an exciting time for the club. This new chapter in the League of Ireland set up has created a pathway for the underage teams to progress, and as a whole, it's an exciting time. They've had huge success at underage and junior level, and now it's time to take that next step into the League of Ireland.”
Salthill Devon Club Chairman Oliver Daniels expressed his delight at Greg Cunningham’s arrival and expressed excitement for its impact on the current squad and emerging young players.
“Greg’s appointment represents an important milestone for Salthill Devon. We are confident his experience, standards and approach to player development will help establish a team that competes with ambition while creating meaningful opportunities for players emerging through our pathway.”
FAI National League
The 15 founding clubs of the FAI National League will partake in a truncated 2026 season before a fully formatted competition is rolled out in Spring 2027.
This year will see three groups of five play home and away matches. The three group winners advance to the National League semi-finals, with the fourth spot reserved for the best-placed group runner-up. The winners from the semi-final ties will face off in the National League Final in November.
Salthill Devon have been drawn in the FAI National League Group 2, and will face Letterkenny Rovers, Mayo FC, St. Francis and TUD.
Bio: Greg Cunningham
DOB: January 31, 1991.
Joined Manchester City in 2007, aged 16, having played his underage career with local Galway teams Cregmore/Claregalway and Mervue United.
Made a total of 354 appearances in England across spells with Manchester City, Cardiff City, Preston North End and Bristol City.
Professional debut for Manchester City in January 2010 in the FA Cup against Scunthorpe United, Premier League debut in April 2010 against Birmingham City.
Permanent spells with Bristol City (107 apps), Preston North End (184 apps across two spells), Cardiff City, and Galway United (34 apps).
