Phil Trill was keen to draw a line under the fiasco that saw last weekend’s game at Peamount United cancelled with no little controversy.
United’s focus will be on league leaders Shamrock Rovers visit to Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday. Yet, there is an inference that all might not be said and done after last week’s postponement.
The chief points of contention revolved around the pitch being used for an Under-17 game a couple of hours before the senior game; a lack of ground staff available to prepare or repair the pitch and; the unwillingness of the hosts to play on their artificial pitch when the officials seemed willing to allow with both side’s consent.
The clear feeling in the Galway camp was that Peamount preferred to postpone the game.
Trill was all about moving on. He said: “It’s now the case where other people will be dealing with that. I’ve voiced my concerns. Now it’s time for people to try to get to the bottom of what went on and make sure it never happens again.
“You can’t dwell too much on it. Shamrock Rovers, who are only 15 minutes away, were fortunate enough to have their game go ahead. They came out well deserved winners against Treaty. They have a great bit of momentum now.
“I think it’s early but when you throw that amount of money at something eventually, you’re going to come good. They have a ridiculous level of budget for the women’s game that’s not in comparison with anyone else’s. Fair play to them, that’s what they want to do.
“The pressure might have been on the last year to win a trophy in Tallaght, considering that the final was there. Luckily it went our way. They have improved. They have good players and with a big budget, they’re able to attract good players.
“It should be a big game. Galway United are steeped in history playing Shamrock Rovers. We are looking firstly for an intensity, a drive and a grit. That’s become our style.
“We’ve trained really well this week. There’s been an intensity that will come out on Saturday. It’s all eyes on Rovers but we will keep focusing on ourselves. The players and staff has rebounded from last week’s disappointment.
“We’re probably heading into that difficult time where these ladies will start finishing up with college exams, heading into that time with the Leaving Cert. There’s a lot of juggling but that’s natural. It’s probably something that Rovers won’t have to face, going that professional route. But it’s something we have to face, and something we pride ourselves on, combining people’s education with their footballing careers.”
Although it is early in the season, there is no shying away from the importance of this game. It will have an impact on the aspirations of both sides. It promises to be lively and telling.
