Drogheda United begin new season with tough Galway test
Galway United vs Drogheda United – Match Preview
Drogheda United kick off their 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign with a challenging opening-night fixture away to Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park, with kick-off set for 7.45pm on Friday night.
The Louth side will be keen to start strongly after an impressive 2025 season, while Galway look to lay down an early marker following significant changes both on and off the pitch.
Galway United start season at home
Galway United open their league campaign on home soil before facing two daunting away trips to St Patrick’s Athletic and Shelbourne in Dublin. After narrowly avoiding the relegation play-off last season, John Caulfield’s side enter 2026 in the midst of a major rebuild.
Several experienced figures have departed over the winter, leaving a reshaped squad heading into the new season.
Major squad overhaul in Galway
Galway have seen a host of high-profile exits. Goalkeeper Brendan Clarke has dropped to the First Division with Athlone Town, while defenders Garry Buckley (Cobh Ramblers), Jeannot Esua (Sligo Rovers), Bobby Burns (Dundalk) and Rob Slevin (Derry City) have all moved on.
Star forward Patrick Hickey has joined Bohemians, and long-serving captain Greg Cunningham has retired. Jimmy Keohane steps up as captain for the new campaign, with David Hurley named vice-captain.
New faces and fresh leadership
Despite the departures, Galway have moved quickly to strengthen. Francely Lomboto has returned following a spell with Glenavon, while Al-Amin Kazeem arrives from St Patrick’s Athletic after impressing on loan in 2024.
A trio of Canadian players have also joined the squad, with Kris Twardek and Gianfranco Facchineri arriving from the now-defunct Valour FC, and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau signing from Vancouver Whitecaps.
Further reinforcements include loan signings Connor Barratt from Barnsley, and Swansea City duo Arthur Parker and goalkeeper Evan Watts, who returns after a loan spell last season.
Backroom changes at Eamonn Deacy Park
There have also been changes behind the scenes. Manager John Caulfield has added former Cork City and Cobh Ramblers caretaker boss Richie Holland to his coaching staff as assistant manager, while Mark Herrick has been appointed as opposition analyst.
Drogheda United aiming to build on breakthrough season
Drogheda arrive in Galway full of confidence after an outstanding 2025 campaign. Despite pre-season predictions of a relegation battle, Kevin Doherty’s side surged to an unexpected sixth-place finish, spending much of the first half of the season in the title race.
The Drogs also enjoyed cup success as FAI Cup winners, though they were later denied a place in the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League due to their owners breaching UEFA’s joint ownership rules.
Changes to Drogheda squad
There have been notable departures from the Drogheda squad, with midfield linchpin Darragh Markey joining Derry City, and striker Douglas James-Taylor moving to Bohemians following a productive loan spell last season.
However, Doherty has added attacking depth with the arrivals of Jack Stretton, who joins on a free transfer from Morecambe, and Jago Godden, who comes in on loan from Walsall. Defender Edwin Agbaje has also signed from Sligo Rovers after becoming available on a free transfer.
Early test for Drogheda United
Friday night’s clash represents a crucial early test for Drogheda United, with two more demanding fixtures looming in the weeks ahead. A positive result in Galway would help replicate last season’s strong start and could once again provide the platform for the Drogs to push up the Premier Division table in 2026.ross mid-Louth.arts, and a powerful reminder of what community in Louth can achieve when women support women. 💪🏻
