Unbearable tension leading to unrestrained joy can best describe the final few seconds of Friday night’s decisive clash at the Belfield Bowl. Football fans can be a pessimistic bunch, and the nagging doubt that surely something will go wrong to tear their dreams to shreds is a nerve-racking experience. Referee Tom Connolly knew better on Friday night, drawing the game to a close 15 seconds ahead of schedule, safe in the knowledge that Galway’s solid defence would not be breached.
Cue an outpouring of relief and celebration from all involved as Galway rescued their Premier Division status thanks to a thrilling run of form which has seen them take 18 points from their last nine games.
Elated manager Jeff Kenna was quick to point out the influence of the large travelling support, numbering close to 600, who travelled east on Friday. “It was like a home game. They sang their hearts out all the way through the game, which obviously made a big difference to the players.. It wasn’t a great game for them to watch, but I’m sure they were only interested in the result as much as we were.”
For a while it was not the only result on their minds. The relentless noise from the away supporters only once came to a brief halt, when news filtered through of an opening goal for Finn Harps. Anxious looks were exchanged as United had been jittery and unconvincing, but the hordes resumed their chanting with gusto as they realised the task at hand was now made simpler; win or bust.
Kenna was always sure Harps would make it difficult for United by winning, and admitted that the occasion may have got to a few of his players. “I would say it was nerves. It’s arguably the biggest game the lads have played in. They have had a fantastic performance last week at home with a great crowd, scored goals. Tonight the wind played a big factor, certainly in the first half we found it difficult to get our passing game going. I thought we over elaborated a bit, especially in our own half.”
Seamus Conneely, superb throughout at right back, concurred with his manager’s thoughts about the elements. “Playing against the wind first half was difficult. We somehow managed to score from a corner, which is the first time we’ve managed to do that all year. I was more nervous going out in the second half. In the first half, I was confident, then they started better, but we got the goal. I just didn’t know what to expect in the second half. Anytime I got the ball I just tried to kick it as far as I could up into the corner. Somehow we held on.”
Conneely was part of a defensive line that produced the goods when it was most needed, keeping two clean sheets in their final two games. Alan Keane’s return to form at the heart of the back four was also crucial in shoring up leaks that had appeared at various stages of the season. Keane played a hero’s part on Friday night as Kenna confirmed his participation was in doubt right up until kick-off.
“He has to be really commended for that tonight. He played with it last week, it hasn’t got any better. If anything its got worse with playing, so we had to wrap him in cotton wool this week. It’s a credit to his attitude and desire to want to get out there and play his part in keeping Galway in the Premier Division. He had an injection before the warm-up, he then had an injection at half time. Really, he probably shouldn’t have played.“
Man of the match John Fitzgerald rightly claimed the winning goal as his own and was ecstatic for everyone involved. “It’s great for everyone. We’ve worked so hard over the last few months, so it’s great that it’s all paid off in the end. It’s a great city, a great club run by great people.”
Uncertainty surrounds the future of United’s current playing staff who are, with the exception of Gary Rogers and Jay O’Shea, out of contract. Kenna did confirm that he wants to stay with the club and that a deal has been struck with Championship side Derby County for O’Shea, subject to a trial which Kenna is confident the winger will pass with flying colours. The manager refused to speculate on which players would be kept on or not, but meetings today are expected to finalise a budget for next year and the depth of squad that can be afforded.
