Galway United can close to within two points of league leaders Shelbourne tonight at Eamonn Deacy Park as a Dundalk side that look destined for relegation head west.
For all of the glory years at Oriel Park, Galway were spending their time either attempting to stay up or struggling to get out of the First Division.
How times have changed.
This remarkable Premier Division season sees six teams still with hopes of lifting the league trophy.
United have claimed 10 points from their last five games to take advantage of the faltering teams above them.
John Caulfield's side won all 18 home matches last year and have lost just four on their return to the top flight.
Victory against the beleaguered Lilywhites would take them into second place and hot on the heels of Shelbourne ahead of their crunch clash with Shamrock Rovers on Sunday.
Their best-ever season was runner-up in 1985-1986, so these are heady times for Galway fans.
John Caulfield is attempting to keep his players focused with expectations now raised.
He said: "We want to make sure until the end of the season that we give everything that we have.
"We want supporters to come out in massive numbers tonight.
"I know Dundalk are at the bottom, but in this league anyone can beat anyone and all the results prove that, and we need another massive performance tonight."
"We can’t underestimate anyone and we won’t do. It is the second last home game and it will be fantastic if we can get close to a full house and roar the team and hopefully we’ll give a great performance."
The relief and jubilation at Dundalk avoiding extinction has dissipated somewhat on their back of results on the pitch and uncertainty over what is to come when this traumatic year comes to an end.
Last week’s clash with
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John Caulfield
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