A site sold by Galway GAA at a loss of almost €2 million is set to be transformed into a €20 million soccer academy.

According to a report in the Connacht Tribune, the 103-acre site at Mountain South near Athenry has been purchased by the Comer Group who plan to develop it into a facility that will be a 'feeder' academy for Irish soccer internationals of the future.

Millionaire Glenamaddy brothers Luke and Brian Comer, who sponsor Galway United, purchased the site in recent weeks for less than €1 million, 12 years after Galway GAA splashed out €2.8 million for it. Galway GAA had earmarked the site as its Centre of Excellence, but it never materialised and they were eventually forced to sell it at a knock-down price.

The proposed soccer academy will consist of six pitches, a large gym and around 30 apartments where they young footballers will reside.

The news has left Galway GAA reeling at a time when they continue to pay back a €3.1 million loan to Central Council for the purchase of the Mountain South site.

Be sure to follow the hoganstand.com match tracker on Sunday afternoon for live updates from the club championships.

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