One thing has gone almost unnoticed in Galway sport: Moycullen’s staggering influence. Paul Clancy, the county’s most unsung footballer over the past two decades, steered his club to All-Ireland intermediate glory. The basketballers continue to fight the good fight, and Galway United are indebted to the service of John Russell and Vinny Faherty.
Russell and Faherty were also schooled in the Salthill Devon ways; it was pleasant to see them weave such pretty patterns at Terryland Park on a nippy Friday night. Russell, all skill, but not lacking substance either, continues to contribute generously, while Faherty’s enthusiasm and honesty is finally being rewarded on Irish football’s grandest stage.
Having produced a critical cameo when Galway divided the spoils with Sligo Rovers, Faherty maintained that form as Bray Wanderers were battered. A brace on an evening of high relevance is a laudable achievement, but it is particularly so when just returning to the starting XI. Despite his accomplishment Faherty was modest. “I just had my head on and concentrated from the start. I was glad to get in and Jeff gave me my chance I suppose. I did alright against Sligo when I came on and I’ll hopefully do the same on Monday if I’m starting.
“Heads weren’t on it properly against Sligo and we knew that we were lucky to get a point and we really got our heads on again in training and even for the Pat’s game, I know it was called off, but we were really focused for that.”
Faherty devoted himself to the Galway cause on Friday. Even when denied by an Alan Gough reflex save in the opening period the frontrunner remained willing throughout. The application levels were rewarded in the dying embers as two delightful goals crowned an encouraging United success. “The first one it just landed to me, Gough tried to clear it and it just landed and I just touched and finished it. The second one I was a bit luckier. Three or four months ago I wouldn’t have hit that, but I was just glad to see it go in to be honest.”
Life as a professional footballer is stimulating and Faherty is anxious to continue the development process. An FAI Cup semi-final clash with Derry City on home turf brings a dash of glamour too. “I suppose every day I’m learning more, playing with experienced lads. I’m only young myself like Seamie Conneely and a couple of the other lads, we’re learning all the time.
“I remember coming in here as a young lad for the St Pat’s (Cup ) game and to the Shelbourne game too and there was big crowds in and hopefully we get a big crowd on Sunday.
It’s great to be part of it as a local lad especially.” In Moycullen the footballers would welcome Faherty back into the fold with open arms, but being the sports mad habitat that it is the natives are tickled to see one of their own progressing. Can Faherty add another tale to the Moycullen fable in the next week?
