After a couple of disappointing results, Saturday’s visit of Treaty United is pivotal for Galway United.
There are eerie parallels between May of 2025 and June of 2024 where three consecutive losses blighted an otherwise outstanding season and ultimately scuppered their title chances.
United can avoid that third loss and maintain an outside chance of the ultimate honours. But Saturday’s game will be tough, as will keeping up the pressure on Athlone who are streaking away at the top.
The emphasis that Treaty was placing on the women’s game has been well advertised, as they seek to split their investment and resources across their two senior teams. It had seemed to be reaping its rewards; yet they too have hit a fallow period.
They enter this game on the back of three league losses in a row. Like Galway, they lost to Athlone and Shels. A 4-1 loss to Peamount was particularly damaging last time out.
It adds spice to this game, as both sides seek to salvage their league seasons. United staff might object to that characterisation somewhat, as there have been plenty of positives. There was a positive start, impressive new signings and most notable has been the success of young and local talent.
Teenagers Heather Loomes, Emily Fitzgerald, Ava Mullins, Emma Duffy and Anna McGough have all been trusted in important times and all have made valuable contributions. The bigger picture is not lost on the staff and the club hierarchy and providing a platform for Galway girls to perform and excel is as important as anything.
On the pitch, Saturday will be given all the consideration and care that a professional group would bring. Off it, Saturday’s games don’t even attract top billing on the FAI’s own FAI Connect App.
There, the early rounds of the FAI Cup involving junior teams appear at the top of the page. It is probably just an unintentional clerical error and there are some excellent and dedicated staff in that area of the association. But it coexists uncomfortably with a lack of urgency in the upper echelons for promoting and pushing a product with huge potential.
