United eager to put best foot forward against Limerick FC in FAI Cup

GALWAY United may be in the middle of a ferocious relegation battle in the Premier Division at present but manager Shane Keegan insists that will not undermine their focus ahead of tonight’s FAI Cup quarter-final clash against Limerick FC at Eamonn Deacy Park (7:45pm).

Some will argue that their current FAI Cup run – which has seen them account for Killester United and St. Patrick’s Athletic in the opening rounds – is an unwanted distraction but Keegan, as he has stated since the outset of the competition, maintains it is far from a hindrance.

“It is a definite help. It is generating great spirit, knowing that if they were to pull it off on Friday night we are into an FAI Cup semi-final. That is something that doesn’t come around too often for many lads, particularly Galway United. Their record in the FAI Cup hasn’t been great since way back when they last won it 26 years ago.

“Also, despite where we are in the league, when you look at it we have had some really tight games, including two against Cork City, one of which we drew, and we also have beaten Dundalk this year as well. So, we are capable of beating anyone on our day and if I were to say that we believe we could go and win the FAI Cup, that really would not be a preposterous statement.”

However, first, they have to overcome a Limerick FC outfit that will be smarting from last weekend’s 2-0 Premier Division loss at home to Finn Harps – the side Limerick beat 1-0 in the previous round to set up this evening’s quarter-final tie against Galway.

“They won’t be happy with their current form,” acknowledges Keegan. “They have only picked up one win in recent games but it was a vital win against Bohs a couple of weeks ago. They probably haven’t been playing well or getting the results they would have wanted. So, they are probably feeling a bit of pressure on that front – no more than ourselves.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.