Jamie Lennon strike decisive as Saints take victory in Galway

Jamie Lennon's early strike was enough to earn St Pat's a hardfought 1-0 victory against Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

As the rain poured down on Corribside, it didn't dampen the atmosphere at Eamonn Deacy Park as the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division returned for 2024.

Both sets of supporters were in full voice and full of anticipation from the first whistle, with Galway United playing in the top flight for the first time since 2017.

But it was St Patrick's Athletic who started the brighter to the delight of the away faithful.

A Chris Forrester corner broke to Jamie Lennon in the box and the midfielder struck a thunderbolt into the top of the net to give the Saints the lead with three minutes played.

The Tribesmen settled into the contest but it was Jon Daly’s outfit who could have doubled their advantage midway through the first period.

Kian Leavy capitalised on a poor clearance by Brendan Clarke but the ex-Reading youngster pulled his effort just wide of the target, to the relief of the former Pat’s shot-stopper.

It was the 87th meeting between the two clubs, as players on each side fought for every challenge on a muddy surface, which turned the game into a real battle.

Tensions rose on the United bench - assistant manager Ollie Horgan received a booking shortly after the break before Pat’s captain Joe Redmond was cautioned a few minutes later.

The match reached boiling point with just under 15 minutes to go when Galway coach Chris Collopy received a yellow card before striker Stephen Walsh was sent off for dissent towards the referee.

There was no way back for the Tribesmen from this point. The Saints preserved their one-goal lead until the final whistle to begin their campaign with a victory in a very scrappy