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Drogheda United
The Louth side come into Friday’s game, following an impressive 2025 Premier Division campaign, which almost saw Kevin Doherty’s charges claim European football.
The 2024 FAI Cup champions have held onto the majority of their squad from last season, with the likes of Conor Keeley, Ryan Brennan, Luke Dennison and Shane Farrell key men for Drogs.
With the likes of former Galway goalkeeper, Dennison in goals and Keeley in defence, Drogheda will be difficult to break down, and they will always look dangerous from Farrell’s set pieces.
Doherty has made a number of new signings ahead of the new season, with Brandon Kavanagh being an eye-catching addition. Kavanagh has impressed in recent seasons with Bray Wanderers, Derry City and St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Striker, Mark Doyle has also returned to Drogheda following a stint in America. Doyle previously lined out for Drogheda before joining St. Patrick's Athletic in 2022.
Galway United
John Caulfield has made a number of new signings ahead of the new season with Wasiri Williams, Kris Twardek, Lee Devitt, Matty Wolfe, Gianfranco Facchineri, Al-Amin Kazeem, Francely Lomboto, Arthur Parker, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Nicholas Fleuriau Chateau and Connor Barratt all joining.
Richie Holland has joined United as 1st Team Coach and Galway football legend; Mark Herrick has joined as opposition analyst.
The Tribesmen have played a number of games in pre-season against Treaty United, Finn Harps, Kerry FC, Cork City, Newport County and Cardiff City U21’s.
Unfortunately for United, Stephen Walsh and Dara McGuinness are ruled out for Friday's game due to injury, with the Roscommon native's injury being long-term.
Galway United squad: Evan Watts, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Killian Brouder, Junior Thiam, Axel Pieshold, David Hurley, Aaron Bolger, Jimmy Keohane, Conor McCormack, Ed McCarthy, Dara McGuinness, Stephen Walsh, Cillian Tollett, James Morahan, Wasiri Williams, Kris Twardek, Lee Devitt, Matty Wolfe, Gianfranco Facchineri, Al-Amin Kazeem, Francely Lomboto, Arthur Parker, Hugo Pires Da Cunha, Nicholas Fleuriau Chateau.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, United manager John Caulfield said he was looking forward to the start of the new campaign and urged fans to attend Friday’s eagerly anticipated game.
“We’re looking forward to our first game this Friday, and a massive home crowd. We’ve made a lot of new signings, and Conor Barratt signed this week. There will be a lot of new signings in the team. We want a full house this Friday.”
“It’s going to be a big challenge this season. There’s been a high turnover, but we have a panel of 22 and we have been working hard. We’ve been back since the middle of December. We were away recently in Wales, which was good for us. It was good for team bonding. Obviously, we have the first game at home, and I would be pleading with the fans to come out and support us.”
“Every time we have played Drogheda it has been a tight game, and we expect no different on Friday. They are a strong physical team. We need to start on the front foot.”
Caulfield also complimented opposing manager, Kevin Doherty, and the job he has done with Drogheda.
“Kevin has done a great job with them over the last few years. He’s retained the majority of his team, the back five, the goalkeeper and the two midfielders Brennan and Farrell, with Brandon Kavanagh and Doyle coming in, in attack. They have eight to nine of their starting team from the last two to three years. We are well aware of their strengths and how competitive and difficult the game will be. We are at home though, and we are hoping the home support will be our 12th man.”
Galway United FC v Drogheda United FC
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Venue: Eamonn Deacy Park
Date: Friday 6th of February 2026.
Kick-off: 7:45pm.
Galway United v Drogheda United - Tickets
The game will also be streamed on LOI TV, for those that can’t make it to Eamonn Deacy Park.
Article by Kevin Horgan
