Galway United battle hard but get nothing from clash against Dunne’s old club

GALWAY United suffered their third defeat in four games on Tuesday, losing 2-0 to Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

Tommy Dunne’s men earned their first victory on returning to the Premier Division this season against Dundalk last Friday, but they couldn’t back it up on their trip down south although Galway United provided stiffer resistance than the scoreline suggests.

Dunne will be anxious that they re-focus for this Friday evening’s match against Longford Town at Eamonn Deacy Park – it is one of the teams Galway should be targeting to take points off, which could become vital in the battle for survival later in the year.

Former Galway United player Karl Sheppard headed Cork’s opening goal 35 minutes into the first half and from there it always looked likely the hosts would edge what was their 1,000th League of Ireland game since it was founded in 1984.

Galway never threatened in the opening half but had a couple of chances on the resumption to draw level – Gary Shanahan’s shot was deflected out for a corner on 57 minutes while Stephen’s Walsh’s header from the corner was nudged over the bar by Jake Keegan.

Keegan had a chance later on in the game with an effort that was dragged wide but by that stage Cork had established a two-goal lead.

Gavan Holohan went close just before Alan Bennett headed to the net, getting on the end of a Billy Dennehy corner delivery to double their advantage.

Shanahan had a chance late on to bag a consolation score for Galway but he was denied by goalkeeper Mark McNulty.

This was Dunne’s first visit to Turner’s Cross as a manager since he left the club in 2013 and he was warmly received by the local supporters.

He was forced to field without Sam Oji, who was sent off in the win over Dundalk; the goal-scorer last Friday, Enda Curran, was also left out due to injury, while Colm Horgan had flu.

The suspension of Oji paved the way for Galway’s newest signing, Kevin Garcia, to feature in his first start with the club.

The 24-year-old defender from Queens in New York made his breakthrough in the US College leagues representing Villanova University before being drafted by MLS side New England Revolution in 2012.

Following spells of first team football at Long Island Rough Riders and Icon FC in New Jersey, Garcia secured a move to Sweden with IFK Luleå where he has been plying his trade since August 2013.

A dynamic, left-footed big and strong defender, Garcia had been training with Galway for a number of weeks leading up to his debut Tuesday.  Prior to his debut, the American expressed relief at finally having put pen to paper.

“It has been a long, tedious process,” he said.  “I’ve been in talks with Tommy Dunne since the end of January, I’m just glad that it’s finally sorted itself out and now I’m ready to concentrate on my football and help the team out in any way I can.

“Every week is better. In my first week I was a little tired, I was just getting my fitness back. I knew I needed to get myself back to where I was initially, I feel confident now.

All the guys have been so welcoming, it’s nice to have another American in the group too (Jake Keegan), it made the transition that bit easier but as I said, I have no complaints, all the guys have been very welcoming,” added Garcia.