St. Patrick's Athletic's chances of claiming the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title were mathematically ended by Galway United on Friday night, with the hosts also guaranteeing Premier Division football for 2027, after a stalemate at Eamonn Deacy Park.

In truth, Stephen Kenny's charges struggled with Galway's physicality in a cagey and largely non-eventful affair at Terryland.

Friday's performance by the hosts summed up their season, as like most their games in 2026 they were incredibly difficult to break down.

Aaron Bolger and David Hurley battled well in midfield for United, in a game they more than matched the Pat's midfield.

Despite showing glimpses of quality during the season, the Dubliners will be disappointed with their campaign.

Incredibly, there was no real chance created in the opening 45 minutes, as both sets of attackers struggled badly.

Hugo Da Cunha has been in impressive form for the westerners in recent months, and he showed well again on Friday night.

The first shot in anger in this game came with just over 30 minutes remaining, when Jimmy Keohane saw his effort well saved by Joey Anang after neat build up play by John Caulfield’s charges.

For much of the encounter, the home side probably shaded proceedings and looked probably the more likely to grab a goal.

With a half hour remaining Kenny introduced Kian Leavy from the bench and just moments later, the Inchicore outfit had claims of a penalty waved away, after Ryan Edmondson went over in the Galway box.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the final quarter, with Stephen Walsh going closest for the home side with a header, but it ended honours even.

Kenny's charges looked flat throughout, and it was clear they were suffering from a hangover following their defeat in Derry on Monday night. On the flip side, Galway showed more energy despite also playing on Monday night, in Waterford.

As the tribes are now officially safe, this is arguably Caulfield's greatest achievement with United, as they were tipped by many to go down at the start of the year.

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