Welcome to the Match Preview, here you will find all the info you need about the game. Check it all out below, with an in depth look at the opposition and a quiz at the end. Let us know what you get!

Match Summary

Galway United are set to take on Sligo Rovers in a crucial Connacht Derby this Friday 16th May at 7:45PM at Eamonn Deacy Park. United come into the game in 8th place, although just six points from the top of the table. United have suffered three consecutive losses in recent weeks, so a win is imperative for the Tribesmen to climb back up a very tight Premier Division table. Sligo Rovers sit bottom of the table in 10th place, with nine points from their fifteen games so far. Although their performances have been very impressive, being the fifth top scorers in the league this season. With United beating Rovers in the last Connacht Derby in the Showgrounds, both teams will have a point to prove on Friday.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT THIS FRIDAY. BRING ON THE CONNACHT DERBY…

Get your tickets now and don’t miss out https://t.co/ocUTnBMp72#ItsATribalThing | #GUFC2025 | Match Partners: @bay_physio pic.twitter.com/bwgp7avVKq

— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) May 11, 2025

Ticket Info

Tickets for the game are available through our website HERE. We highly encourage fans are to secure their tickets in advance online and arrive early as a big crowd is expected.

Follow the Action

Can’t make it to Eamonn Deacy Park? Stay updated via:

• Detailed match updates on Galway United’s Twitter
• Watch live on LOITV
• Post-match reactions and highlights on Galway United YouTube Channel

Matchday Schedule

Below are some key timings for Friday’s game

Free Parking – Black Box: 5:30 PM

Stadium Gates Open: 6:30 PM

Club Shop Opens: 6:30 PM Tribes Bar Opens: 6:30 PM

Food Vendors Open: 6:30 PM

Players Out on Pitch: 7:00 PM

Kick Off v Rovers: 7:45 PM

Recent Form – Galway United

Galway United’s last five (L to R): DWLLL

Last game: Waterford 1-0 Galway United

Last time out United suffered a narrow defeat to Waterford away from home. You can watch the highlights below:

Recent Form – Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers’ last five (L to R): LDDLL

Last game: Sligo Rovers 0-1 Bohemians

Last time out Sligo Rovers suffered an unlucky defeat to Bohemians. Denied by the Bohs keeper who saved a penalty just moments into the game, Rovers were undone at the death. Lys Mousset grabbing the late winner. You can watch the highlights below:

 

Key Players to Watch

• Moses Dyer – Galway United: Dyer has recently picked up the SSE / SWI Player Of The Month for April. The top scorer in the league with eight goals to his name, he’s definitely one to watch. Moses spoke to us about what it’s like playing at Eamonn Deacy Park, compared to his previous clubs. Check it out below:
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• Francely Lomboto – Sligo Rovers: Former United player, Lomboto joined the Bit O’Red during the off season and has settled into the team nicely. Lomboto has scored three goals in fifteen appearances, and sits second top scorer for them this season.

Pre-Match Thoughts

John Caulfield spoke to us ahead of the game, about team news and what the Connacht Derby entails, which you can watch below:

John Caulfield previews a huge Connacht Derby on Friday

Get your Connacht Derby Tickets here https://t.co/92QzjlyAmV#ItsATribalThing | #GUFC2025 | Match Partners: @bay_physio pic.twitter.com/o0ONMaB2u3

— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) May 14, 2025

 

The stats with Julian Canny

At home in the Connacht Derby we have played 45 times with an exactly split record of 15 wins, 15 draws and 15 defeats.

Last season both league meetings in Galway were drawn. Our last home win came towards the end of the 2017 season when goals from Marc Ludden, Kevin Devaney and Gavan Holohan gave us a 3-1 win.

We’ve had some memorable moments in the Connacht Derby, just wait for that Devaney strike

Connacht Derby Match Tickets https://t.co/92Qzjly2xn#ItsATribalThing | Match Partners: @IrelandWest pic.twitter.com/VmbPjFIxV2

— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) May 7, 2024

Our record home win is 5-0, which has happened twice. In November 1984 Mickey McLaughlin scored a hat-trick for Tom Lally’s men while famously in January 2000,
Michael Donnellan made his debut as a second half substitute when Eric Lavine bagged a hat-trick.

Player Milestones:

Vince Borden could play his 80th game for the club

Patrick Hickey and Regan Donelon are both in line to make their 50th club appearance.

Miscellaneous:

Only two matches have taken place on the date previously, most recently we drew 1-1 at home to Finn Harps in 2014, Ruairi Keating had put Harps ahead before Paul Sinnott equalised.

In 2008 Derek Glynn scored the only goal of the match away to UCD, this was Jeff Kenna’s first win as manager, famously staying up on the last day with another 1-0 away win in Belfield.

Match Partners: Galway Bay Physio

 

Matchball Partners: Joyce Software

QUIZ

We have eight questions below, tap to reveal the answer, let us know how many you get.

C’mon United – see you at Eamonn Deacy Park!