Match Preview – Galway United vs St. Patrick’s Athletic

The Game

Galway United vs St. Patrick’s Athletic in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division. Friday 16th February, 7:45PM at Eamonn Deacy Park

From the Manager

“It’s fantastic for the supporters” John Caulfield remarked ahead of the game. “Having the Premier division first, at home — it doesn’t get bigger than that. We want to sell out Eamonn Deacy Park and create an electric atmosphere for the fans” Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Caulfield acknowledges the strength of St. Patrick’s Athletic under the guidance of Jon Daly. “Jon Daly has come in and done a fantastic job,” Caulfield observes. “They won the cup in a really impressive fashion and secured a European spot. We can see that they have recruited well in the off-season too”

Despite the opposition, Caulfield remains optimistic about Galway United’s prospects in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division. “It’s an exciting time back in the Premier Division,” he reflects. “Our supporters want to be back there. Our crowds, which were excellent last year, are expected to be even bigger this year. We can’t wait for the opening day of the season and to test ourselves against St. Pat’s.” Caulfield also remarked on how important the fans are to how the team performs “It’s important everyone gets into the ground very early and supports these lads” Having people in the ground early, can make a crucial difference to the pre-match atmosphere and the players can feed off that energy.

Stadium Info

• The Eamonn Deacy Park, Car Park will be closed for the game. Don’t try to arrive early to park as there are spaces reserved for staff etc… that may arrive later. There will be FREE parking in the Black Box Car Park. Which is circa five minutes walk from the stadium.
• The stadium gates open from 6:30pm. Along with the club shop, food vendors and bar.
• Away fans are located in the “old stand” in blocks A+B.
• Make sure to arrive early to ensure you get in on time. There will be queues at the gates.

The Opposition

St. Patrick’s Athletic last season won the Sports Direct FAI Cup and finished in third place in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, securing a European spot.

Team Overview

• Captain: Joe Redmond (pictured)
• Key Player: Chris Forrester
• One To Watch: Ruairi Keating
• Manager: Jon Daly

The Saints last game out was against a great Shamrock Rovers outfit in the FAI President’s Cup Final. Rovers ran out 3-1 winners in front of a crowd of over 8,000. You can watch the highlights here.

This will be our 87th meeting with St Pat’s

Our most common opening day opponent has been St Pat’s who we’ve faced 7 times so far (W 2, D 1, L 4) but just twice at home. Most famously, we beat them 3-0 away in 2009 when Jeff Kenna had left United to become St Pat’s boss. This year will be our 8th time facing them on the opening day.

25 wins, 23 draws and 38 defeats in those matches. 45 of those meetings have been at home with 13 wins, 14 draws and 18 losses.

Our latest competitive meeting was 13th October 2017, a 1-1 home draw, Eoin McCormack put United ahead in the first half before Billy Dennehy scored in the 2nd half.

The 7 previous first day meetings with St Pat’s were:

1977 H Drew 0-0 – first ever League of Ireland match for the club.
1978 A Lost 2-3 – St Pat’s went 3-0 up before two Tony ‘Ginger’ Collins goals in the second half mounted a comeback.
2001 A Lost 0-3 – first match under Dave Connell, held them to 0-0 at half-time before being well beaten.
2009 A Won 3-0 – Ian Foster in charge after Jeff Kenna had left to join St Pat’s. Derek O’Brien x2 and Vinny Faherty with the goals.
2010 A Lost 0-2 – Sean Connor’s first game in charge – Stephen O’Donnell was sent off on his debut!
2011 H Lost 0-3 – Third year in a row playing Pat’s on the opening day! A heavy defeat – an omen of things to come that season.
2016 A Won 3-1 – Christy Fagan gave St Pat’s the lead in the second half before a strong comeback saw United take the points back home – goals from Vinny Faherty, John Sullivan & Enda Curran.

Match Sponsor

Our match partners for the game are Harry’s Bar. Founded in 2017 is situated right in the heart of Galway City in Bohermore. They offer a wide range of mouth-watering food, including brunch, wings, burgers, steak, nachos & desserts. They have everything from classic shakes to just about every type of daiquiri to shots, sours and signature classics. Pop in for some grub in front of the big screen, for a night out in the town, or for a romantic meal!

Our match-ball partners are The Cellar, Galway. An established, iconic gastropub located in the heart of Galway City on Eglington Street, The Cellar has been offering great food, drinks, live sport and entertainment to the local community and beyond for more than 30 years.