Ger Hanley

Gerard Hanley (born 4 April 1991) is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

Hanley played youth football with Knocknacarra and Salthill Devon before starting his professional career with Galway United. Hanley go on to have multiple stints with Mervue United, as well as spells with Dundalk, Shelbourne and a second spell with Galway United.

Hanley is a former Republic of Ireland youth international.

Youth career Hanley played youth football with Knocknacarra

In a 2012 interview, Hanley stated that he had turned down an opportunity to play professionally in Scotland.

Club career Galway United On 13 April 2009, Hanley made his debut for League of Ireland Premier Division side Galway United in a League of Ireland Cup game against the team he played youth football with, Salthill Devon.

Mervue United Hanley signed for League of Ireland First Division club Mervue United ahead of the 2010 season.

Dundalk On 27 January 2012, Hanley was signed for League of Ireland Premier Division side Dundalk by their manager Sean McCaffrey who had previously managed Hanley for the Republic of Ireland U17s and U19s.

On 10 April 2012, Hanley made his debut for Dundalk as they won 2–1 against Longford Town in the League of Ireland Cup. On 22 June 2012 Hanley made his league debut for Dundalk against UCD at the UCD Bowl, however Hanley had to be withdrawn for Peter Cherrie after only 28 minutes due to an injury.

Shelbourne On 15 January 2013, Hanley signed for Premier Division side Shelbourne ahead of the 2013 season. That season Mervue made it to the play-offs where they would face Longford Town, where they would lose on penalties.

Return to Galway United Hnaley joined the newly formed, Galway FC ahead of the 2014 season,

Hanley re-signed with the re-named Galway United for the 2015 season, where he would be competing for a starting spot with Connor Gleeson, Kevin Horgan and Conor Winn.

That season Galway made it to the League of Ireland Cup semi-finals, where they faced Hanley’s former club Dundalk. Hanley would emerge the hero as the game went to penalties, as he saved two penalties to get Galway to the 2015 League of Ireland Cup final.

International career Hanley was the starting goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland U17s at the 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Career statistics Club

Honours Galway United League of Ireland Cup; runner up: 2015