Match Report – Waterford FC v Galway United

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division 

Waterford FC 1-1 Galway United

After a season of countless ups and downs, on and off the pitch, Galway United secured their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division status for 2026 after an exhilarating 1-1 draw at the RSC in Waterford on Saturday evening.

On a cold evening in the southeast, it was the visitors who started better, and in the 16th minute, John Caulfield’s men made that bright start count, when Stephen Walsh headed the Tribesmen in front after an exquisite delivery from David Hurley.

The Blues struggled in the opening quarter, and it appeared they were playing a more direct style than usual, with United’s defence dealing with Waterford’s long balls comfortably in the opening exchanges.

The westerners almost doubled their advantage in the 20th minute, but Bobby Burns saw his outstanding left footed volley saved by Stephen McMullan, in the Blues goal.

Walsh was next to go close for United just over 10 minutes later. The ball fell to the Galway native after Patrick Hickey’s initial effort was blocked, but unfortunately for Walsh and United, his looping shot came back off the crossbar.

Somewhat against the run of play, the hosts levelled matters through Padraig Amond in the 37th minute. The Carlow native headed home from close-range after the away side failed to deal with a cross from Conan Noonan.

Following their equaliser, Matt Lawlor’s side grew into the contest and they were on top for the remainder of the half, however the sides went in level at the break.

The men from the Southeast began the second period on the front foot, and they appeared to change their style of play at half-time, as throughout the second half they played the ball through the lines and didn’t go as direct with the football as much as the first 45 minutes.

Half-time substitute, Dean McMenamy had the first chance of the half in the 57th minute, but his effort from outside the box, just went over Brendan Clarke’s crossbar.

With 25 minutes remaining, Caulfield introduced former Cork City players, Rob Slevin and Conor McCormack off the bench, as the Tribesmen looked to limit the amount of chances the home side created around the United penalty box. It must be said, this tactical adjustment worked as the men in maroon limited Waterford to mainly efforts from outside the penalty box.

The impressive McMenamy went close again with just over 15 minutes remaining in the contest, but again his effort went over the Galway crossbar.

Six minutes of additional time were added on by referee, Paul McLaughlin, but United held firm and hung on for a crucial point which ensured that Premier Division football will be returning to Eamonn Deacy Park next season.

Huge credit must go to the United team as they performed excellently all evening, in a defensive display, their late assistant manager, Ollie Horgan, would’ve been proud of.