An incredible journey eventually ran out of road as Galway United Women succumbed to Shelbourne 1-0, thus effectively ending their title aspirations for 2024.
Journey may often be a misused designation in football parlance, but it feels apt to describe the growth of this team and the growth of the bond between them and their wider community over two marvellous seasons.
The young players are conscious of their role as trailblazers for a women’s game that is thriving locally. There are five divisions in Under-12 and Under-13 in the Galway FA, something that may have been unthinkable as many of the senior squad grew up.
The importance of a successful senior team in these regards can’t be underestimated. Yet, this is a successful side by any metric. The retention of the Avenir All-Island Sports Cup and their contention for league honours until September are both markers of significant progress.
However, Saturday showed that there is still some growth necessary to topple the elite. Shels had a lightning start and were 1-0 up early. Kate Mooney added to her impressive haul, turning in a rebound in the 11th minute after a valiant save from Jessica Berlin.
United were always game but Shels more than shaded the early exchanges and would have been 2-0 up soon after were it not for the intervention of the post.
Reunited up front, the pace of Emma Doherty and Julie-Ann Russell asked plenty of questions of the visitors but time and again their craft and experience helped them find the answers.
Phil Trill had the luxury of a strong bench to try and turn the tide in the second half. Rola Olusola and Aislinn Meaney offered pace and directness, but Shels always managed to keep them at arm’s length.
Pearl Slattery, Roma McLaughlin and Noelle Murray successfully steered the ship. Their efforts were further rewarded when after the game, Athlone dropped the points necessary to keep the title race alive, after a 3-3 thriller against Shamrock Rovers.
It means Shels, who have held the Indian sign over United, will likely be looking for a favour when Athlone come west on the last day of the season. As such, United will still have a massive say in the title’s destination.
The Galway girls have matched up better against Athlone, beating them in an impressive away display at the very start of the season. Before that, they will take a trip to Treaty this Saturday with not much more than pride at stake.
Third place is already secure. United can surpass their point total from last season with any additional points. They may seek to rotate to offer squad players some more minutes.
The pain at the full-time whistle was evident but there was much in their display and season to encourage for next season. They will surely be keen to finish strongly and send out a signal for next season. Their standards should drive the same.
