Most emotions were experienced during a turbulent season in Terryland. The overriding one at full-time last Saturday in Waterford was one of relief.
Galway United had to dig deep in the closing minutes to seal their Premier Division status. This season was full of tests of their fortitude. Speaking after the game, the common refrain from the camp was around the void left by the character and charisma of Ollie Horgan. With the season over, the task accomplished, there was finally a freedom to express how hard it had been.
There was also a footballing finality. There have been comings and goings over the last three years, but a core has remained intact. The club is now in line for its biggest shake-up in personnel in many years.
Speaking this week, John Caulfield summed it up. “It’s been my toughest year in football. I had some difficult seasons; they have been mainly dealing with personnel rather than dealing with tragedies. Emotions were all over the place. It affected everyone.
“This season has been a bigger achievement [than the last two] based on all of the circumstances. Five weeks ago, we were second last. We were in big trouble. If Cork beat us that night, they could have caught us. We had gone nine or 10 weeks without winning a league match. For guys to dig deep, it was an achievement to avoid the playoffs based on where we were and what had gone on.
“There was serious talking done five weeks ago. Whoever is moving on is moving on, but as a group, we need to deliver this. This is what was satisfying. The guts of that team have been together for maybe four years.
“As a group, everyone recognised there was going to be a significant turnaround at the end of the season. We didn’t want it around their necks that they were part of the team that got relegated after doing so much for the club. It was part of the inner thinking going on over the last few weeks, that at least from Ollie’s point of view, looking down, we kept our status.”
Stephen Walsh was to the fore of that. He will get a deserved day in the spotlight on Saturday week when he plays his testimonial in Eamonn Deacy Park. All present will hope it won’t be his last time in maroon. Nonetheless, they will turn up in their thousands to acknowledge his contribution.
Others will get their recognition in the coming weeks also. Brendan Clarke was the first to announce his departure. He will rank among the very best goalkeepers in Galway United history. There were sensational saves, but his impact was wider. Clarke inspired calm and confidence into his defenders. He had a unique ability to dictate the tempo of a game from the goal.
In his first two seasons, his form was imperious. This last season was more of a challenge. Yet, he came up big in the run-in and departs a fan favourite.
Players of a similar stature are likely to release their statements in the coming weeks. The speculation is rife, but last Saturday ensures they can leave on the right note.
It is difficult to understate the scale of the overhaul required. Every line needs to be reimagined. There is little certainty about anything, and little let up. An earlier start to next season means that pre-season will begin in December. There is a lot to be done between then and now.
