Galway United face a difficult trip to Tolka Park tomorrow night as they seek to get on the board for their 2026 campaign.
With the cancellation of last week’s game in Inchicore, there has been little learning since the opening night. However, with the squad turnover at the level it was, the extra week might have been no harm.
The biggest thing to happen in the interim was a famous 5-0 success for the Galway & District League in the Oscar Traynor Trophy on Sunday. It was the first success for Galway in the competition since 1971. It was a side littered with League of Ireland level talent and augurs well for the increased participation of Galway sides in the new third-tier.
It is a great credit to Brendan O’Connor that they dealt so comprehensively with a Limerick team that are always respected in the competition. United old boys Marc Ludden, Enda Curran and Padraic Cunningham were to the fore of the success.
Their successors in maroon face an uphill task tomorrow in Drumcondra. In their one outing so far, Shels only managed a draw in Waterford. Their programme was also curtailed last Friday as their game against Shamrock Rovers fell victim to the weather.
They are a known entity at least. Only Odhran Casey made a full debut in Waterford. Rodrigo Freitas and Maill Lundgren came on from the bench. Their most interesting signing is likely to be the return of Will Jarvis who was crucial to their title push a couple of seasons ago.
He will add dynamism to them. A forward line of Jarvis, Odubeko and Wood is a dangerous prospect. Jack Henry-Francis and Kerr McInroy are excellent footballers too in midfield. Paddy Barrett and Milan Mbeng are strong at the back.
With a week off, United might have found some encouragement elsewhere. After a good showing in Derry, Sligo Rovers were comprehensively beaten by Bohemians in the Showgrounds on Saturday. Drogheda won again but at least did so at the expense of Waterford. Dundalk did impress in Derry, drawing 2-2.
A similar point would likely be welcomed by all of those in maroon making the journey east. It would be a small surprise to see much change in the line-up after a brave display against Drogheda.
Yet there are some in the wings who can press a case. John Caulfield will likely need 14-16 to maintain a challenge on the night, as conditions are still likely to be soft. We may find out soon enough whether he has the necessary strength in depth to sustain United at the top level.
The Maroon Army are running a bus to Friday's Premier Division match at Tolka Park, departing from McGinns, Woodquay at 3.30pm and there will be pick-ups along the route to Dublin. Seats can be booked by contacting Kian Kenny at (087 ) 9404349 or Ronan Coleman at (087 ) 6972823.
