After a staggering famine of nearly 27 years without a trophy, Galway United are belatedly back in the top tier of Irish football.Having fallen short three years in a row since John Caulfield took over, the County Roscommon native guided United to promotion in a common canter, the inevitable finally confirmed in the unlikely surroundings of the Kingdom.A Wassim Aouachria goal on 31 minutes put United in front before a David Hurley penalty on 73 minutes, a Francely Lomboto goal five minutes from time and another at the death from Hurley had the large travelling support in party mode.Having hammered Dundalk a week ago to reach the last four of the FAI Cup, United can now enjoy their triumph before refocussing ahead of the visit of Bohemians.In a packed media area watching the game was Derek 'Buck' Rogers, working for local radio, a Dubliner who joined Galway United and never left the city.
He was among the men in maroon who shocked Cork City and won the League Cup on New Year’s Day in 1997, nearing the end of his days with the club.
United have won nothing since, went out of business and endured years in wilderness.Ollie Horgan's addition to Caulfield's staff seems to have been a major asset – he left relegated Finn Harps in the off-season to join his hometown club – but the money of the Comer Brothers, the Glenamaddy billionaires who've backed United in recent seasons, created the platform.
Caulfield was given time and now he too is back at the top level and hungry for more.With a mean defence and a constant supply of goals, United – who were second-favourites behind Waterford – have demolished the opposition.