Rampant Galway blow Dundalk away to grab Cup semi-final spot

Galway Utd are back in the FAI Cup semi-finals for the first time in 15 years after blowing Dundalk away at Eamonn Deacy Park with a stunning first-half display.

The First Division leaders, who now need just a point to secure their Premier Divison return following Cobh Ramblers' win away to Waterford, were full value for their 4-0 lead at the break courtesy of goals from Stephen Walsh, Ed McCarthy, Maurice Nugent and David Hurley.

John Caulfield’s side can now begin dreaming of a first Cup final appearance since their one and only win in the competition in 1991. The Tribesmen’s direct play was too much for the Louth men to deal with as they clocked up a record equalling win against a side they hadn’t beaten in eight previous attempts in the Cup.

This defeat was an embarrassment for Stephen O’Donnell on his return home to his native Galway and it leaves his side’s season hanging by a thread as they must now pick themselves up to try to salvage European football through the league.

The visitors almost hit the front on four minutes when Johannes Yli-Kokko picked out the inrushing Daryl Horgan but the Galwegian’s strike was brilliantly kept out by a strong left arm from Brendan Clarke. That was to prove a crucial save as the Tribesmen hit the front on eight minutes.

After Darragh Leahy had fouled Wassim Aouachria, Hurley’s free to the back post was headed to the bottom right hand corner by the unmarked Walsh. It looked like the visitors had douled their lead three minutes later when Nugent headed home but referee David Dunne ruled it out for a foul on Darren Brownlie.

After Patrick Hoban had an effort blocked by Vincent Borden from Leahy’s short corner, Galway did double their lead on 20 minutes with McCarthy heading home from