It is a matter of real satisfaction that on Saturday afternoon Galway soccer finally celebrates the service and talents of one of its most favoured footballing sons, Stephen Walsh.
Very few deserve such an accolade and there can be no dispute about the manner in which Stephen has embedded himself into the hearts of Galway United supporters down through the years. When I was tasked in the summer of 2011 in covering for Cian O’Connell’s short absence from his duties as soccer correspondent for the Galway Advertiser, I was spurred at an extremely testing time for United to write the following.
‘It has never been more difficult for young United players to perform. One despairs that a youngster like Stephen Walsh would not be spoken about in the same breath as other Galway sporting performers. There is a defiance and thunder about his play that deserves hundreds of Galway voices rising to his spirit.’
Thankfully, over the years thousands of United fans have witnessed and relished that spirit. In the last two games of the current season in Tallaght and Waterford, Stephen played as well as he ever did in a United shirt. No cause was ever deemed lost as his boundless spirit took him about the park in a frenzied mission to ensure United’s Premiership survival.
Apt it was that he should score the goal that ensured safety.
It is part of the charm of the man that such a special talent never sought out attention or adulation. He was the fans' favourite because he was one of their own. On Saturday mornings you would come across Stephen in the 'Swamp' with Nicole supporting Robin in the West United colours after a battling United display on the Friday night. People discussed the previous night’s events and Stephen embraced his friends and community in his typical quiet and modest fashion.
Such rootedness never saw him lose his connection with Hibernians Football Club. Having a Galway icon as first team manager inspired not just his Hibs charges but all associated with the Galway junior game. People talk about pathways, community, and connection with supporters; these were all embraced in the person and character of Stephen Walsh.
The club record appearance holder for United achieved this season could not have have gone to a better man. Kevin Cassidy held that mantle for a generation and he will be delighted that it is Stephen who now carries that title. Both quality footballers and great Galwegians.
Longevity is wonderful, but let there be no doubt about the quality of Walsh and Cassidy's service in United shirts. The last thing the Rovers or Waterford defenders worried about was Stephen’s birth certificate. In the RSC dressing room, I remarked to Stephen that he deserved a testimonial for those two performances alone.
Those who know Stephen will appreciate the joy he took from returning to the United ranks after difficult spells elsewhere. The United shirt meant so much to him.
It was one of the great sporting honours of my life to be at his table when he was presented with the Galway Sportstar of the Year award in January 2024. Seldom has the reward found a more deserving football recipient. Stephen’s graciousness, humility, and the kindness of his family were my takeaways from that splendid function.
Saturday is a day for Stephen, Nicole, Robin, Jamie, Hayley and their proud families. You trust that it will be wonderfully supported.
Stephen gives everything to United in terms of commitment, spirit, and honour. Nobody has deserved it more. A true Galway great.
