John Caulfield has urged his Galway United players to embrace their FAI Cup semi-final as a springboard for the club's future. The manager wants his squad to reconnect with supporters when they host Derry City at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon.

Ticket sales are moving towards a full house for the Club Orange FAI Cup semi-final, which kicks off at 2.45pm. Galway United currently sit seventh in the Premier Division with 38 points from 32 games, three points behind their fourth-placed opponents. “You need to make sure you turn up on the day,” Caulfield said.

Recent history and overhaul

Galway United last reached an FAI Cup final in 1991, winning the trophy that year. They lost a semi-final 1-0 to Bohemians under Caulfield in 2023, a match that featured only four players still at the club today. A significant squad overhaul in the off-season means 18 players from last season are no longer with the side.

The team enjoyed a ten-match unbeaten run during the summer but have won just three of their last ten league games. Their recent form reads DLWLD, with a 1-1 draw against Shelbourne last time out where Jimmy Keohane scored a penalty. They face Waterford away in their next league fixture on Friday, a side they drew 0-0 with in July.

Derry challenge and home record

Derry City, six-time cup winners, present a familiar challenge. Galway United have beaten them 2-1 on both visits Derry have made to Eamonn Deacy Park this season. However, Derry won the most recent meeting 1-0 at the Brandywell last month, with Adam O'Reilly scoring the goal.

Galway have lost only four times at home all season, a record they will lean on. “The uniqueness is that Galway has so many sports teams as well because hurling and football is so strong,” Caulfield noted.

The other semi-final sees Bohemians host Waterford on Friday night. Both matches are broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Galway United's top scorer this season is M. Dyer with ten goals, and the team has scored 42 goals while conceding 48.

Assistant manager Ollie Horgan, who was part of the 2023 semi-final setup, passed away and is honoured with a picture at the training ground. The club's focus is squarely on creating a new memory this weekend.

The report in full is at RTE.ie