Born to celebrate football and community
Gratitude guides a life devoted to the sport and to those who share it. Ernesto Mira has made this path his mission, a well-known figure in Elche and nearby Aspe where his name is spoken with respect by players, clubs, and fans alike.
Over the years, he collaborated with and led the franchise clubs chaired by Martínez Valero, Ramón Sánchez, and José Sepulcre. He also served as the president of grassroots football for the Elche area, lending his energy and resources whenever support was needed. His passion for Elche CF crossed every level, from the first team to the lower divisions, fueling a continual commitment to the game at all ages and stages.
In 2013, during Fran Escribá’s tenure on the bench, Mira oversaw important responsibilities at the Almería collection hotel, contributing to operations at a historic Elche venue where records and memories converge.
Half-hour celebration at the hotel in Almería
Julian Palomar, a name connected with local football, recalls the moment and the surrounding camaraderie that defined that era in Almería.
For many years, he served as director and president in his hometown of Aspe, occupying different roles and acting as patron of the now-defunct Unión Deportiva Aspense. He was a builder of moments for the club, instrumental in their best campaigns in the Third Division and in the memorable promotion campaign that defied the odds, featuring teammates like Campillo, Roberto, Vidal, Segura, Cano, Membri, Sánchez, Chupi, Merchan, Alfonso, and Forner. Under the guidance of former Elche player Manuel Lopez Bottle, that squad remains etched in Aspe’s football lore as a lasting memory for fans.
Memories from those days stay alive among football enthusiasts in Aspe, where the impact of Mira’s leadership is still felt. He was known for supporting other clubs in the city when needs arose, with thoughtful acts that reflected a generous character. Aspe FC and La Coca CF benefited from his involvement, and his affinity for the game extended beyond just strategic roles to be a core part of who he was.
His wide network helped local players find opportunities. He maintained strong ties with Elche’s network, enabling players from Aspense, such as Castroverde, Manolo, and Chema, to connect with the club and contribute to its presence in the regional scene. Players like Lucas, Mateo, Ooño, Coco, and many others who wore the red Aspense jersey were part of that ongoing exchange, with legends such as Juan Ángel Romero, Emilio Esteban, and the promising Paco Peral at times guiding younger talents within the team.
In recognition of a life deeply woven into the fabric of local football, a tribute was planned for Saturday, March 18 at 11:00 am. Aspe UD, in collaboration with the city council, organized an event to honor Ernesto Mira Galvañ. The morning promised to be emotionally charged at the Las Fuentes field, featuring a match between Elche veterans and Aspe’s representatives. Former players from both clubs planned to attend, frank in their appreciation of Mira’s passion and the work that sustained football across their communities.
After the match, a wine reception would offer memorabilia and anecdotes about a key figure in Elche and Aspe football. The tribute served as an invitation to the broader franjiverdismo community and to football fans everywhere to gather at Las Fuentes for an unforgettable morning.