“Sometimes that is the life of a goalkeeper - you always have to be ready, you never know what is going to happen,” Luke Dennison says moments after completing his first start for Galway United with a clean sheet against Treaty United in the SSE Aitricity League.
Seven days previously Dennison’s first touch as a United player was to make a penalty save from Cabinteely’s Keith Dalton at Stradbrook. It has been a dramatic start to life in the west of Ireland for the Californian, who moved to Longford Town in 2019.
“I was ecstatic about last week, to save the penalty, to end up getting the full three points for the boys and the team,” he adds.
“Then getting my first start, we had a good week at training, the staff had us all really well prepared.”
Dennison acknowleges Luca Ami’s contribution as goalkeeping coach, while also praising defensive colleagues Joe Gorman, Killian Brouder, Stephen Walsh, and Conor O’Keeffe.
“Luca, the goalkeeper trainer, had me well drilled for everything Treaty were going to throw at us and the boys did their jobs,” Dennison continues.
“The backline - Joe, Killian, Walshy, and Chief, they all did their thing, the midfield did their thing. We were unlucky not to score - the goalkeeper made a few great saves. We go home with a clean sheet and a point, we move on to the next one.
Since joining John Caulfield’s squad in July, Dennison is thoroughly enjoying spending time on the banks of the Corrib.
“Life in Galway is very different,” Dennison replies. “I live in Dublin when I am playing with Longford. Life in Galway is amazing, it is a beautiful city, especially when the sun is out.
“Even when the sun is not out it is an amazing city. The training is amazing, the full-time environment, the staff is top level, the goalkeeper trainer, I'm loving it, all the boys on the team have taken me in really well. It has been a blessing to come, I am just making the most of it, doing my job for the team.”
So why did Dennison opt to leave the USA two years ago? “I played my college soccer at California State University, Chico,” he says.
“Once I finished there after the four years, I have an Irish passport, both my parents are Irish, they were born and raised here. My mom is from Dublin, my dad is from Kells in county Meath. So when I finished, I just went on a limb and flew over to Ireland with the passport. I didn't have to get a visa or anything, there was not going to be any complications if I did find a team or an opportunity to work or play.
“I had a few opportunities with a few different teams, Longford Town ended up taking me on which I am so grateful for. It is an amazing club with amazing people there. I have just been riding the wave, here I am in Galway, getting my first start. I am so happy to keep a clean sheet, just on to the next one now.”
Being patient is critical according to Dennison, who has been forced to wait to demonstrate his ability.
“If you are a starter it can be a very stressful position,” Dennison adds. “All of the pressure is on you as you are the last line of defence. If you are the backup you never know what could happen in a game of football, the goalkeeper could go down after two minutes and you have to be ready to do your job just like the starting 'keeper.
“It is just an unusual position, but you always have to be on your toes, ready to go to do your job for the team to help get the three points. Here I am doing my thing, I am just really happy to get my first start in the league.”
Working alongside United custodian Conor Kearns, who had started every United league fixture before Friday, has been helpful according to Dennison. “Conor is a great guy, Luca is a great guy, ever since I came in they have been two gentlemen,” he responds.
“Luca the goalkeeper trainer has given me great advice, getting me well prepared for every team we are playing against even if I am on the bench.
“Conor and I have a great bond, I am really happy to be working with him, I am just really happy to be here in Galway. It is a great club with great people involved, great fans. Everything is great about it.”
**Listen to the full interview with Galway United’s Luke Dennison on this week’s ‘Cian On Sport’ podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.
