An apt sunshine ushered in kick-off at Terryland yesterday. This was a day in the sun for Jeff Kenna’s charges, a semi-final berth, a chance to showcase their talents outside of the shackles of a relegation dogfight, and an opportunity to pit their wits in Europe next season. It was ample reward for Galway United’s recent form which was already demanding such attendances as we saw on the Dyke Road yesterday.
The impetus to play on such an occasion almost goes without saying and it was evident in the application of the home players early on. A fantastic opening third promised much. Galway played with composure, confidence and control, dominating more illustrious opponents with the aid of a stiff gale. A resurgent home crowd applauded every effort with gusto and the dynamics augured well except for the lack of a goal.
After a gung-ho performance that saw the home team play high up the park, the half-time whistle was far from welcome. Nevertheless an expectant air and carnival atmosphere was prolonged by the presence of United’s past greats for an entertaining half-time penalty shoot-out. One could bask in the presence of Deacy, Rogers, Nolan, Carter and O’ Flaherty safe in the knowledge that there was a crop emerging who were also mixing it with the best.
Yet the turnaround signalled a change in patterns and fortunes. United weathered an early Derry City siege admirably, only to fall victim to Farren’s 63rd-minute goal that came against the play, script and spirit of the game. Given the time, the opponents and the elements an ominous air enveloped a stunned crowd who smelt more.
Derry had earlier enjoyed the almost obligatory purple patch teams of that calibre command. After that, an open contest ensued where Derry possibly offered an extra element of class in the absence of five Galway regulars. Despite this, the Tribesmen did much to match the skills of the visitors.
True to form Galway battled after the setback, but tiredness was etched on the demeanour of stand-out performers such as Vinny Faherty and Seamus Conneely in the hunt for an equaliser. They had some chances, as did Derry, and a vibrant contest ensued at both ends. This made the steady trickle of fans from Terryland Park both bewildering and disappointing. When patrons began cutting their losses with 15 still on the clock, the much touted fickleness of the Galway sporting public was in visible display. It was a poor response to the local team that worked so diligently on the pitch and were not left far short at game’s end. Fortunately, it was juxtaposed with defiant cries of, ‘We are staying up’ by the more loyal fan base after the final whistle.
This got to the heart of the matter. The loss of our unbeaten run in such a fashion as yesterday’s will not trouble the side, for fans bore witness to an entrenched resolve among the players. By the time the FAI Cup Final rolls around, Galway’s divisional status will be decided and the viability of the football club will have more to do with the results of our next three games. With the same opponents next week, one can only hope that with Derry having stolen two semi-finals in Galway, they will not be averse to facilitating such a Northern robbery next Sunday.
