While some might grapple philosophically with a new year, the turn in the calendar means something instinctive to a League of Ireland fan, the beginning of pre-season.
In an era where sports fans are saturated with ‘content’ and the off seasons of major leagues contract to accommodate more fixtures, the long League of Ireland layoff generates a real thirst for the terraces.
In the interim, squad, fixture and transfer talk will suffice. Over the last two months, Galway United have studiously fed the news of some key retentions. Some penned new deals, others had time to play out on existing contracts.
It is a professional approach and ensures a continuity that has served the club well over the last few seasons. There is a strong foundation of 17 signed on, 13 of whom have extensive first-team experience.
None more so than Brendan Clarke, who again will be the rock upon which John and Ollie build their church. It was a boon to retain the veteran stopper whose sterling season was recognised by his peers with inclusion to the Team of the Year.
The only problem his consistency and availability bring is in enticing and holding on to a second stopper. Jack Brady was an excellent understudy but has made the move to Drogheda United, surely sensing better playing opportunities. Back-up ‘keeper is therefore one hole to be plugged.
At the back, Jeannot Esua, Garry Buckley, Killian Brouder, Rob Slevin and Greg Cunningham will all wear maroon again next season. Each contributed handsomely and there will be every confidence that they will do so again.
While new recruits to reinforce this group are expected, there may be more familiar faces. Regan Donelon might hope to prove his fitness after returning late in the season after an injury-ravaged campaign. There will also be hope that Colm Horgan will remain, a popular and versatile figure who has served in both full-back berths.
All of these attributes were shared by Conor O’ Keeffe, who has left for a new challenge in Dundalk. Conor was a wonderful ambassador for the club, on and off the pitch, and his presence will be missed by colleagues and supporters alike.
Patrick Hickey, Conor McCormack and Vince Borden are among those kept in midfield. This trio often worked well together. To borrow a term from his homeland, Hickey was United’s most valuable player in the second half of the season. McCormack revelled in his return to the big leagues while Borden’s levels did not dip from his breakout season in the First Division.
The absent name from this list to date is David Hurley, who grew into last season’s campaign and remains a fan favourite. Whether or not the Corkman returns, it is likely that United are eyeing a body or two to reinforce the ranks in midfield.
There is plenty of wide talent locked in. Ed McCarthy and Jimmy Keohane both shone at stages last season and will be looking to do so again next season. 2025 will be a big opportunity also for Bobby Burns who was deployed at various stages at left back, in midfield and on the left. He showed more than enough promise last season to suggest he can have a big say this year.
Karl O’ Sullivan is the one to move on from this quartet. He found game time harder to come by later in the season but was a big asset, and memorably deputised up front to great effect early last season, the win away at Oriel Park being one highlight of his stint.
Up front, the Terryland talisman, Stephen Walsh, will continue to lead the line. If Brendan Clarke embodies the professionalism of management at one end of the pitch, Walsh is the manifestation of their passion at the other end. As a new generation of fan falls in love on these mythical nights on the Dyke Road, in Walsh, they have as good of a hero as any of their fathers or grandfathers.
Steven Healy, Kyle Fitzgerald, Cillian Tollet and David Tarmey are showing the same kids the pathway. All have signed on and all will be keen for action. Healy and Tarmey did their cases no harm with strong showings in the second half of the season on loan to Treaty. Fitzgerald’s class has long been the talk of the town.
On the other side of the ledger, Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning, who missed all of last year with injury, have both signed with Sligo Rovers. There they will join up with Wilson Waweru, who showed last season just how successful that move could be.
There has been no little activity and yet there will be realism that there is a need for outside recruits to strengthen both the depth and the first team. John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan will have been scouring the country, the continent and beyond to give their side every chance again next season.
Little indicators such as the performances of Shamrock Rovers in Europe in the off-season and the transfer business already conducted around the league suggest it will be a necessity.
