John Caulfield says the memory of Ollie Horgan is a daily inspiration for Galway United as they prepare for a historic FAI Cup semi-final. The Tribesmen host Derry City at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday, aiming to reach their first cup final in 35 years.
"He's in our thoughts all the time because every day we go to the training ground we have a big picture of him up in front of us so we say hello to him," said Caulfield, the Galway United manager. Horgan, the former assistant manager and a Salthill native, passed away in August 2025 aged 57. His photograph at the club's training base serves as a constant touchstone for the squad.
Victory would put Galway one game from European qualification, a prospect that once seemed distant. "As the late Ollie used to say, the only Europe we were going to at the time was Lourdes," Caulfield recalled. The club last competed in Europe in 1991.
The semi-final arrives with Galway United seventh in the Premier Division, having taken 38 points from 32 games. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings. They face Derry City, whom they have beaten twice and lost to once in four meetings this season, including a 1-0 defeat just last month.
Caulfield, who took charge in 2020, reflected on the club's journey. "The club was in a bad way for a long, long time," he said. "We've put structures in place over the last four or five years. Things have improved and the crowds have come up." He noted he has now been manager in Galway longer than he was during his successful spell at Cork City.
Saturday represents a major opportunity. "It's a big day for our supporters, a big day for the city and county," Caulfield said. "I'd love it if we could, particularly for the people around the city and county."
After the cup tie, attention turns back to the league with a trip to face Waterford next. But for now, the focus is solely on ending a 35-year wait and honouring a familiar face watching from the wall.
The report in full is at Derry Journal
