History beckons for Galway FC

Just four games stand between Galway FC and a place in the First Division promotion play-offs heading into the last four games of the season.

The first of those a home game with Finn Harps in Eamonn Deacy Park this Saturday night (7.45pm) – the game has been moved from Friday night to avoid clashing with Connacht’s televised game with Leinster in the Sportsground in the Guinness PRO12.

When the side set out at the start of the season, the goal was to make the most of the secure footing it had been given through a combination of the generous financial backing of the Comer property group and the input of the four main stakeholders in the game locally – the Galway FC, the Galway United Supporters’ Trust, Mervue United and Salthill Devon.

Anything else would be regarded as a bonus, and while there was a degree of expectation that the side would do well, the fact Galway FC is in with a shot at promotion probably a year ahead of target.

There is still work to do on the pitch, however, starting with a tough game on Saturday night against a Harps side they have struggled against all season, the only side they haven’t beaten in the league.

After the Harps game, Galway FC are on the road on consecutive weeks, facing Cobh Ramblers in St Colman’s Park on Saturday week, September 27; and then that game with Shelbourne in Tolka Park on Friday October 3; before the finish the campaign at home to Wexford Youths.

All First Division games on the final weekend will kick-off simultaneously, and fans of Galway Rovers and Galway United from the early days will take a trip back down memory lane as those games will have a 3pm kick-off on Sunday October 12.

Wexford Youths are the only side that can deny Galway FC a play-off spot, but the men from the Model County are five points behind Tommy Dune’s side and so while that final day meeting could be a winner-takes-all clash, Galway FC really should have their play-off spot sown up by then.