John Caulfield’s relentless Galway United outfit are closing in on the First Division title after a near note-perfect campaign in Ireland’s second tier and with their promotion just weeks away from being confirmed, the Tribesmen aren’t expected to let their standards slip.
A little over a year ago, Galway were listed among the favourites for First Division silverware by most bookmakers and top sports betting sites, however, few could have anticipated just how dominant United have been over the course of the season.
Galway hold a 15-point advantage at the summit of the table over nearest promotion rivals Waterford and with just seven games left to contest – and 21 points left to win – a return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2017 could be cemented by the time United host Finn Harps on September 25th.
Five memorable Galway victories in 2023
Galway United 9-1 Kerry (March 10th)
Galway had already secured three victories in three attempts at the start of the 2023 First Division season before they crossed paths with Kerry on March 10th at Eamonn Deacy Park, though United’s demolition job on the league’s newest combatant was the first real indicator that the Tribesmen meant business.
With hattrick hero Edward McCarthy central to their success, Galway smashed goal after goal past a shell-shocked Kerry team, hitting the net nine times for the first time ever in a competitive fixture.
That meaty triumph allowed Galway to maintain their early-season winning streak, which eventually ran to a hugely impressive 11 straight fixtures before United were finally toppled by Longford on May 1st.
Galway United 2-1 Waterford (May 5th)
It was directly after that surprise setback at Longford that Galway showed their mettle and title-winning potential with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their closest rivals for top spot, Waterford United.
Again, it was Edward McCarthy who led the charge, netting a well-taken opener on the volley after 33 minutes. David Hurley doubled Galway’s advantage from the spot midway through the second half, finishing low to the keeper’s left.
Ronan Coughlan notched a consolation in the 90th minute for Waterford, though Galway absorbed some late pressure to collect a hugely significant three points.
Galway United 6-0 Finn Harps (June 6th)
In the first week of June, Galway showcased the phenomenal goal-scoring power in their ranks with a fantastic six-goal annihilation of Finn Harps. The Tribesmen were ruthless from the first whistle and had established a four-goal lead by the 20th minute at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Six different players got in on the act starting with Darren Clarke who broke the deadlock after just four minutes. Killian Brouder, Stephen Walsh, Maurice Nugent, Rob Manley and David Hurley also etched their names on the scoresheet on a productive evening in the final third for Galway.
Athlone 0-1 Galway United (July 14th)
Galway had just dropped two precious points on the road at Cobh Ramblers (1-1) and United were on the cusp of dropping more in their next test following a scrappy 85 minutes of action at Athlone just a week later.
With time running out and a 0-0 draw the likeliest outcome, 24-year-old David Hurley arrived in the Athlone box to meet a pinpoint cross from the right. The reliable goal-getter then planted an exquisite header into the top corner past stricken keeper Enda Minogue to send the away supporters into raptures.
Hurley’s inspired intervention proved to be the fixture’s defining moment and United returned to Galway with maximum points.
Waterford 2-2 Galway United (August 11th)
Billed as a possible title decider pre-match on the south coast, the First Division’s two best teams went hammer and tongs in an enthralling tussle between Waterford and Galway United on August 11th.
Galway’s resolve was tested as early as the first minute at the Regional Sports Centre when the host’s prolific striker Ronan Coughlan gave Waterford the lead after 20 seconds. Killian Brouder buried a leveller just 15 minutes later, setting the trend for a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout.
In the 22nd minute, the razor-sharp Coughlan again put Waterford in front and the scoreline held at 2-1 until added on time in the second half. With the referee checking this watch, a late free-kick lumped into the Watford box broke to Francely Lomboto who rifled home the equalizer through a crowd to maintain Galway’s healthy lead at the top of the table.
