It was a win in the works for some years, but it must have felt as far away as ever in the 86th minute.
Then a historic sequence occurred. Remini Tillotson blasting a breathtaking equaliser into the top corner. Niamh Farrelly then catapulted her side into dreamland in the 93rd minute with a late winner that could become etched into Galway United folklore.
The team, the staff and the club have been moving in the right direction for so long and Saturday, in front of the cameras seemed like a culmination of the work and dreams.
Except, unfortunately, May doesn’t mean what it does across the channel and United still have so much to do across the 14 league games remaining. Undoubtedly, last Saturday they proved that they can. They edged three points clear of their most likely rivals.
They did it with a core of Galway girls who have learned and developed in the west, bolstered by craft and experience from Dublin and quality from the US.
Amanda McQuillan stood out with a fingertip save in the first, only to be undone by the resulting corner. Sharp play from Emma Doherty and Aoibheann Costello mid-way through the second changed the tie. They carved an opening and forced the mistake from Kellie Brennan who saw red. This allowed Tillotson and Farrelly to do the unthinkable and seal a famous win.
Credit to the club, they opened the gates to give girls from all over the county the chance to see their heroes up close. More will need to take up the opportunity because they may be on the verge of something special. Either way, the journey looks like it will be splendid if the side continues to acquit themselves as they are.
The next chance to catch Phil Trill’s team is this Saturday in a somewhat more low-key affair. This may be no harm given the challenges his side has faced of late. DLR Waves in the All-Island Cup should provide opportunities to the squad. This is not to disrespect the visitors who have been competitive in every game except Peamount earlier in this cup. Rather, United are in a good position to progress after two fine wins heretofore.
United should have a squad though that is hungry and fresh to make an impact. Only 13 tasted action last Saturday. More will be needed across the season to bring United to the promised land. All of the signs to date are positive.
