Every game is a big game. That is the simple creed espoused by John Caulfield. It has certainly felt that way since United’s return to the top flight.
It also holds some explanatory power for the revolution taking place in Irish football, with attendances, interest and coverage soaring.
In a hotly contested league, there are few, if any dead rubbers. Every team can take points in any given fixture. Galway United and Drogheda United have both proven that in their two openers.
Friday’s trip feels significant because Drogheda are a side that United must target. The same will be true in reverse. It may even have more value given that United entertain the champions on Monday. Although they twice upset Shels last season, that visit on Monday looks a tough proposition.
Caulfield’s side were unbeaten against Kevin Doherty’s team last season, winning two and drawing two. They were even more impressive against Dundalk. The 18 points picked up in these eight games did much to power United up the table and away from the relegation places taken up by the Louth rivals.
The overall picture isn’t much clearer since the start of the 2025 season. Shels have had a great start. Sligo’s results have been poor. This is about as much as can be asserted with any confidence.
Everyone else will have some cause for optimism. Amidst the uncertainty, the first objective will be safety. That holds for United, Drogheda, Sligo, Waterford and Cork at minimum.
Games between these sides therefore carry weight. There was speculation that Drogheda might struggle on the limited evidence of the President’s Cup, the injury to Douglas Taylor and the loss of Frantz Pierrot.
They have so far confounded these expectations with a draw in Inchicore and a thrashing of Sligo at home. Darragh Markey and Shane Farrell have given reminders of their quality in midfield. Luke Dennison has continued his splendid form in goals. The former United stopper has seven clean sheets in his last 11 league games. Conor Keeley’s return from St Pat’s further shores up their defence.
These are familiar names for Galway United that will evoke respect but not fear. United should be fuelled by the confidence gained last Friday in front of a packed Eamonn Deacy Park, when Stephen Kenny’s side were put to the sword.
The swashbuckling hero of the night, Patrick Hickey, will be pivotal again. He adds ballast at the back when needed, industry in midfield, but most crucial is the platform he provides the attack. He is a scary prospect, not just in his immense physique, but in his constant improvement.
There were stars elsewhere too who will want their say again. Brendan Clarke was again at his brilliant best against his old side, making a string of saves that were worth, and worthy of, league points.
The new formation worked well after some teething problems in Cork. Greg Cunningham excelled at left centre-back once more. Jeannot Esua was many people’s man-of-the-match with another outstanding display. He has assisted Hickey twice in as many games and perhaps the further licence he enjoys at wing-back can continue to reap dividends.
Those in the engine room all worked their socks off and it will be interesting to see what role Conor McCormack, who made the bench on Friday, plays this weekend. It was noteworthy that Cian Byrne was introduced to the midfield, and the debutant made his presence felt in the final quarter.
Up front, Stephen Walsh continues to lead the line with distinction and Moses Dyer impressed again in patches. A goal tomorrow could ignite his season.
To some surprise, United were unchanged last Friday. It will be less surprising if they remain that way again tomorrow. However, there is hope that a few returnees from injury might provide some selection dilemmas.
John Caulfield will be mindful that they go again on Monday, and this may come into the reckoning as we have seen in the past.
What is certain, is that he will pick a team that will go out to win, believe that they can do so and die with their boots on. That will satisfy the simple creed of the supporter.
