It has been over 35 years since Galway United have been involved in European competition. On Saturday, Galway United Women have the historic opportunity to bridge that generational gap.
It can be called a European play-off. However, despite their home advantage, the odds are against United. A draw will suffice for the visitors but Phil Trill’s team need the win.
Shels have the form line in their favour, having had the better of the meetings between the sides. Since Galway United announced their arrival in women’s football in 2023, with an impressive win in Tolka Park, the Drumcondra team have had the upper hand. In the past three seasons, United have won only one and drawn one of the eight games between the clubs.
Many of those games have hurt. There have been All-Island Cup finals, FAI Cup games and decisive league encounters that have gone the way of Shels. This game is as big as any.
It felt as though the tide was turning at the beginning of the season. Amanda McQuillan and Roma McLaughlin came to United after years of success with Shels. McQuillan has lived up to her billing between the posts, McLaughlin only managed 10 minutes between the sticks.
The other setbacks in personnel, including the lack of availability at key times of Remini Tillotson, Ceola Bergin and Kate Thompson are well established. It is a credit to the squad, who lost Eamonn Deacy Park too in the middle of the season, that they come into the last game of the season with such a prize to play for.
They have had to be adaptable. Aoibheann Costello has found herself in many positions, Eve Dossen has come in to do a job in midfield. A couple of key acquisitions were made in the transfer window.
The attitude was on display last week again when they came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 away to Peamount United. Incredibly, it was their eighth victory after going behind this season.
Yet, Shelbourne represents a step up in opposition. They were unbeaten in four and half months of football in the middle of the season. Two costly defeats to Sligo and Shamrock Rovers derailed them, but their performance in the cup final showed what a formidable side they are.
They have multiple threats. Their top scorer Rebecca Watkins only has six goals, but there are three others on five. They are admirably led as always by Pearl Slattery. Jess Gargan has high pedigree at full-back and Aoife Kelly is a serious talent in midfield.
A vociferous crowd on Saturday could be crucial to tip the scales in United’s favour. United have led the way in this regard in previous seasons, however the support has been slack this season despite the side challenging on three fronts earlier in the campaign.
Success on Saturday would change all of the dynamics significantly. It would unlock badly needed income and provide a massive platform for Galway girls to aspire to.
Whatever the outcome, it will be the biggest game that Galway has hosted in the domestic women’s game and is likely to be an exciting evening in Eamonn Deacy Park.
