Which team do you support?
Galway United FC.
When did you start supporting them?
I went to my first game in 1983/84 and have only missed two or three home games every season since. Today, my 10 month old son Daniel is already a season ticket holder.
Who is your favourite player of all-time?
Mike Quirke, Derek Rogers or Paul McGee. Of the current squad, John Russell is pretty damn good.
What is your favourite football memory?
May 12 1991 at 4.45pm. Anyone who was at Lansdowne Road at that point in time will know what I’m talking about.
The best goal you’ve ever seen?
Tony Folan scored what can only be described as a wonder goal against Athlone Town a few years ago. He beat 10 Athlone players plus a few of his own teammates to bury the ball in the back of the net. Truly amazing.
The team you most dread to see your side facing?
Dundalk. One of their fans went to the FAI HQ with a barrel of petrol and a box of matches in protest of Galway United’s promotion at Dundalk’s expense in 2006 (it’s even on YouTube ). Next time we meet Dundalk, there will be, er, fireworks.
The team you love to hate?
Hmmmmmmmm, I love to hate no team but I’d hate to love Sligo Rovers.
The last time you shed a tear when your side lost?
Galway United snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by throwing away a 2-0 lead only to lose 3-2 to Drogheda in a promotion play off final 1994. Everyone was gutted at full time.
The most overrated player is...
Bohemians have a player allegedly earning almost €4,000 per week who is grossly overrated and overpaid.
The worst football haircut belongs to...
Johnny Morris Burke didn’t get a haircut during the five or six years he spent with Galway United. It was like a mop.
One thing you’d change about football if you could?
I’d turn the League of Ireland table upside down so Galway United would be on top.
Ever been to cup final?
Two FAI Cup finals and two League Cup finals of which United only lost one (1985 ).
The Greatest - Pelé, Best, or Maradona?
Jumbo.
Favourite football quote?
There was a handwritten sign stuck on the club shop door in the mid 1980s which read: “No Soup ‘Til November”.
Paul O’Brien is from Barna Road. He has supported Galway United in the good days and bad. He is married to Arlene and they have two children, Tara and Daniel, both of whom have been to Galway United games.... even before they were born!
Kernan
Andrews
