As the record goal-scorer for Galway United FC, Alan Murphy is a man with a nous for breaking records. His faith therefore that Galway WFC can still enjoy their best season in senior national football carries some weight and meaning. Currently fifth in the Women’s National League, Murphy’s focus is very much on looking up, forward and to the future.
His side gained national exposure and many admirers over the past fortnight. They lost by just the odd goal in two televised games against the table’s top two, Wexford Youths and the Champions League bound Shelbourne FC.
In the elite levels of football, the margins become finer and Murphy feels “only a small bit of inexperience on our side and a small bit of experience on their side decided the game on both days".
"To see a Galway side playing on TV, a side that could have won both games and deserved something from both games, is very encouraging.”
It is an understandable feeling for any side that lost by a 91st minute penalty as Galway did against Wexford.
Having responded with a 6-0 thumping of Treaty United in between those two high-profile fixtures, a run of four games against teams placed lower than the Galway women provides another opportunity to bounce back and finish on a high.
“At the start of the year the ambition was to have a better season than we ever had before and we are on target for this.”
The 18 points still on offer remain the focus of the side which currently has a week without a fixture to prepare for Sligo on Saturday September 10. It is a break Murphy feels will be put to good use and he does not expect a hangover from the Shels game.
“The analysis is done, we performed really well, and there was not a lot to be disappointed with. We prepare now again, one game at a time.”
This optimism for the future is evident as Murphy is keen to “keep the group together and keep the culture together".
"That is something that has really improved this year, there has been a nice mix of experienced players, younger players, and imports from the likes of the USA.”
It is a mix that has established the squad as a competitive force in Irish football, a platform that will continue to encourage Galway fans.
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