With so little separating the top seven sides in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division, there will be moments that will haunt the off-season for the top six. Galway United will look no further than the dying minutes against Dundalk.
The air hung heavy in Terryland when Eoin Kenny’s 96th minute equaliser signalled the death of United’s ephemeral title bid.
It was another setback in front of a big crowd in Eamonn Deacy Park. United’s biggest attendances of the year have been at games against St. Patrick’s Athletic, Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Dundalk. In these, they have gained only two of the 15 points on offer. It is one of the few disappointments of an exhilarating season, one which guarantees only further drama.
The disappointment was compounded by the loss of Greg Cunningham for the rest of the season late on under a heavy tackle from Aodh Dervin who started the season with United.
It led to a flashpoint in front of the benches that continued in the tunnel after the game. United Assistant Manager Ollie Horgan aired his frustrations at the end of the game. They revealed a deep dissatisfaction with the officials.
Horgan said: “Personally, at the end of the game, I have huge reservations with what the referee said to me. Huge reservations around the questioning of my character and my core values. However, I will deal with that individually. I know I am speaking here to the media, but there is no chance someone is going to question the core values that I have.
“I am 33 years in coaching and no chance is anyone going to question my values. It was a sending off tackle and there is no point in saying it wasn’t. To be fair to Aodh, we know him better than anyone. I know him better than anyone in the country.
“Personally, no chance am I taking what the official said to me, when I asked him to repeat it, he asked me to leave the changing room. You’re talking about officials, and it is well documented, looking for respect. They’ve got to show respect before there is any chance of getting it.
“That’s from the bottom of my heart. There is no chance someone is going to tell me about my core values that I have had with me and brought up in this town with me from my parents etc.
“I am making it public. It is a disgrace what he said to me, questioning my core values. He booked me he said for jumping on the pitch and showing no respect. I can’t jump, my knees are buggered. I’d love to be able to jump. I didn’t go near the pitch.”
The passion oozes out of Horgan as he speaks. The team can be said to reflect the emotion that comes from the sidelines. There is certainly a pride and steeliness to United this season that will need to be drawn on in the run in.
Their most difficult assignment is their next fixture in Inchicore against a St. Patrick’s Athletic team who have won their last five since the sides last met.
It may suit United that they have a week off before that massive game. They will need to work on a contingency at left-back where Rob Slevin and Bobby Burns are solid alternatives.
With Pats three points behind and scheduled to play Bohemians before this in their game in hand, it is likely a result of some hue will be needed to sustain the European dream. Nonetheless, it is an incredible occasion for United fans to spend eight days building up to.
