After 105 days of an off-season, seven departures, five new arrivals and two loan deals, Galway United are back. They travel tomorrow to Turner’s Cross to take on Cork City in a feisty season opener.
A healthy rivalry was struck up in the First Division over a few seasons. The powers of prediction of an opening game have always limited but tomorrow will undoubtedly be a good test of where both sides are.
There is some optimism that United are in a stronger place. The problems in attack have been acknowledged and directed recruitment efforts. A lot of the case for hope centres around Moses Dyer. If he can better share the dual burdens of goalscoring and leading the line with Stephen Walsh, he may be United’s most important signing.
Daniel Stynes is a similarly exciting prospect. Coming from the A-League, he has experience and versatility, two highly regarded assets among management. In both his and Dyer’s case, the experience of Patrick Hickey, should be heeded. It wasn’t until July that the American completed his first 90 minutes for his new club but in the second half of the season, he took the league by storm.
Similarly, youngsters Max Wilson and Evan Watts might also have to bide their having from cross-channel. Watts will be the understudy for Brendan Clarke, and the signature of the U21 Wales international was considered a coup in the game. Sean Kerrigan, brother of Liam Kerrigan currently playing in Belgium, is an interesting addition after a fine US Collegiate career.
Their additions were necessary given some notable departures, such as Francely Lomboto’s move to Sligo. 2024 was a frustrating campaign for the attacker, who made 20 appearances in the league but only had two starts and one goal to show for his efforts. He will be hoping to emulate the success of former teammate Wilson Waweru who was rejuvenated last season in Sligo. Indeed, Lomboto has already scored twice in pre-season for The Bit O’ Red.
Conor O’Keeffe is also a loss in the building and on the pitch. Perhaps the greatest loss is Maurice Nugent who showed some of the form of his career in the first half of last season. Jack Brady too was a comfort blanket behind Brendan Clarke. His move to Drogheda has already seen him see minutes in The President’s Cup and he would be expected to threaten Luke Dennison for the starting spot.
Karl O’ Sullivan, who will join up with loanees David Tarmey and Stephen Healy, was an important figure in the first half of last season and had highlights such as a fine performance up front away to Dundalk. Kyle Fitzgerald did not taste much first team action but in years to come, United fans will hope to be watching him on TV while recalling him replacing Stephen Walsh against Longford.
In spite of these ins and outs, it is a squad marked by consistency. 18 players have been retained. There is vast experience at the back where Brendan Clarke will hope to have some combination of trusted defenders in front of him spearheaded by the likes of Greg Cunninham, Killian Brouder, Garry Buckley and Jeannot Esua. There may even be a change of shape which might accommodate more time for Rob Slevin who excelled in Buckley’s absence. If Colm Horgan and Regan Donelon can stay fit, there will be plenty of use of their services.
There is plenty of experience and continuity in the middle too. Conor McCormack raised his levels again last season. However, while he has been maintained as club captain, the creation of the role of first team captain for Greg Cunningham is perhaps an acknowledgement, that like Walsh up front, he could use greater support. Vince Borden and Hickey, both outstanding athletes, will ably assist again. David Hurley improved as last season progressed and will benefit from a year in the top flight. Bobby Burns showed quality in a variety of positions last season and will also provide an option in the middle.
In the supporting attacking roles, Jimmy Keohane and Ed McCarthy would appear to be the standard bearers after their excellent seasons. A change of shape might mean they need to be accommodated in slightly different roles but both appear to have huge trust from management. Stynes adds another exciting option. Sean Kerrigan too will be keen to be in this mix.
Up front, Mr Galway United will be the spiritual leader but will be happy of the support and even competition that Moses Dyer hopes to provide. After that, it is more difficult to say who might make an impact from Cillian Tollett, Max Wilson and Brian Cunningham. Tollett would not have been used in a massive match in Inchicore last October were he not highly rated. Therefore, he has a chance. Cunningham has been prolific at underage level for United. Wilson was highly regarded at Preston.
John Caulfield and Ollie Horgan have proven that they are loyal to their players and a settled side could allow for a faster start against opponent’s who have had more squad upheaval. However, it is a long season and United will need to rely on more than a first eleven to carry them through. They have a basis to suggest they have more depth and balance to their squad in 2025. They now have experience. They will need to harness all of this to reach or surpass the levels achieved in 2024.
