It’s difficult to know how last Saturday in Pearse Stadium might be remembered. At a perilous moment in the season, it was an invaluable three points at home. A second win in their temporary new home.
They did it the hard way. They outshone Sligo, who were then reduced to 10 men for large stretches of the game. Yet, somehow, the visitors got back on terms late on due to a Cian Kavanagh brace.
It meant United had to rely on a stunning strike from Matty Wolfe to rescue the three points. It stretched the gap between the sides to seven points. Sligo’s difficulties were then further compounded during the week when John Russell took up the Shelbourne vacancy.
Despite this context, the image of Conor McCormack lapping up the applause at full-time is likely what will linger and eclipse the near collapse late on.
The veteran has been synonymous with the Caulfield era of Galway United. He has embodied much of it on the pitch. He will be synonymous with improvements in professionalism and resilience in the squad. 'Badge', as he will be affectionately remembered, was a coach on the pitch if there ever was one, his transition to the dugout has been seamless. His meteoric rise in that lane warranted.
His stint in Cork and the honours won there will come to mind easier for many League of Ireland enthusiasts. But there is an understanding and appreciation in Galway that this was an important figure in the history of the football club. He leaves things in a better place than he found them and can take his share of credit for that.
True to his standards, his departure leaves a void in the squad. McCormack had been enjoying more minutes in a variety of roles lately. Nicolas Chatteau leaves too, although he struggled for game time.
Neither departure should be a factor this Friday. It should be a mismatch between the sides as well as a mismatch between the size of the stadium and likely crowd.
United might use the opportunity to give their new arrivals a valuable start. A good cup run has eluded United since 2023. Despite the challenge remaining in the league, a run in the competition would bring benefits. They have a chance to do so, particularly with a favourable draw. United have mostly been competitive against all teams. They have only failed to get a result against Bohs and Shamrock Rovers so far this season.
However, with their departures it does not seem evident yet that they have gotten stronger so far this window, despite some decent, experienced additions. Thus has been the challenge for League of Ireland sides over the past couple of seasons.
It is nice to have another night in the Salthill sun to look forward to but some of the most important work this week might be happening off the field.
