Galway and Cork set for duel in promotion race

While the mainstream focus on sport in Galway this weekend will be on the Connacht Gaelic football final on Sunday, another vital fixture will take place in the city of the tribes less than 48 hours earlier.

A crowd of up to 5,000 is expected for the clash between the top two sides in the lower tier of Irish senior football.

Galway United, resurgent under John Caulfield and set for billionaire ownership under the Comer group, host Cork City.

The Rebels have exceeded expectations under former Republic of Ireland international Colin Healy and only last week lost the grip on the automatic promotion position to this weekend's opposition.

There is no doubt these are the form teams in the division.

United have conceded just one goal in their last six matches and have recorded 12 wins from a possible 15, including seven on the bounce,

The first meeting of the sides saw Caulfield take victory against his former club in Turner's Cross on the opening night of the season in front of 4,894 fans.

However, Cork are showing their mettle and have not lost since that first game defeat.

Such are the standards being set by the Healy’s men, a late win overall and a home draw with Wexford has been described as a blip.

Galway took over at the top as a result of that draw, holding a two point lead ahead of the Eamonn Deacy Park clash.

Speaking to the Galway Advertiser this week, Caulfield admitted it is satisfying for all involved to be involved in high-level matches, given it is a First Division fixture.

He said: "Cork are a massive club and Colin Healy is doing a good job down there. We know how difficult it will be. It’s going to be the halfway point in the season.

"We’re in a good place but we know what Cork will do.

"Cork have lots of exciting