Galway United’s European Hopes Dented by Late Dundalk Equaliser at Eamonn Deacy Park
Ardee News and Sport — Galway United’s ambitions of moving second in the Premier Division were dashed by a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser from Dundalk’s Eoin Kenny, as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Eamonn Deacy Park. The late goal stunned the home crowd, who had anticipated a valuable victory in their pursuit of European football.
The atmosphere was electric on the banks of the Corrib as Galway United prepared to face a struggling Dundalk side. Before kick-off, a heartfelt tribute was paid by the Galway faithful to Maxi Mark Kavanagh, a beloved Dundalk and League of Ireland supporter, who had recently passed away. A banner was held aloft, and a round of applause echoed around the stadium in memory of the dedicated fan.
The match itself, marking the 103rd meeting between the two clubs, also commemorated the 30th anniversary of the reopening of the redeveloped Terryland Park. Despite the significance of the occasion, the first half offered few clear chances. Dundalk captain John Mountney came close early on but failed to truly test Galway keeper Brendan Clarke.
Just when it seemed the first period would end scoreless, Galway United broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. USA international Patrick Hickey rose to meet a cross from substitute Karl O’Sullivan, powering a header past Ross Munro to give the hosts the lead.
In the second half, O’Sullivan continued to threaten for the Tribesmen, forcing Munro into a save after his low shot slipped through the keeper’s legs. However, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances as the game wore on.
Galway United appeared to be heading for victory until deep into injury time, when Dundalk substitute Eoin Kenny latched onto an inviting cross to head home and silence the 4,000-strong crowd. Kenny’s late heroics earned Dundalk a point and denied Galway the chance to move up the table.
Galway United will now prepare for an away trip to St Patrick’s Athletic, while Dundalk will host Derry City in their next Premier Division fixture.
Galway United: Clarke; Brouder, Walsh, Cunningham, Hickey (Slevin 84); Borden (Hurley 70), Keohane, Horgan, McCormack, McCarthy (O’Sullivan 27); Buckley.
Dundalk: Munro; Boyle, Oostenbrink (Hakiki 73), Horgan (O’Kane 73), Benson (Keane 45); Gullan, Doyle (Garbett 45), Mountney, Keogh (Kenny 81), Cann; Dervin.
Referee: Eoghan O’Shea
Don’t miss the FAI Cup semi-final between Drogheda United and Wexford, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player this Sunday from 2:45pm.