Galway sides in 1,485/1 treble

KEITH KELLY 

GALWAY’S three Airtricity League sides pulled off a stunning treble at the weekend with all three sides winning on the same weekend for the first time ever, an achievement which was priced at 1,485/1 by bookmakers. 

It wasn’t all good news, however, as despite winning on the pitch for only the second time this season, Salthill Devon were consigned to astwo-leg relegation play-off because of Mervue’s win over Monaghan United. 

The destination of both league titles was effectively decided in Terryland Park over the weekend, with Galway United’s win over Bohemians on Friday night handing the initiative in the Premier Division to Shamrock Rovers; while in the First Division, Mervue’s win at the same ground the following night means Derry City are as good as champions as they hold a three points lead and superior goal difference over Waterford United with just one game remaining.

United’s game with Bohemians on Friday night, which was televised live by RTÉ, was a rollicking good contest, and the only pity is so few United fans turned up to see it. The official attendance was 1,080, but Bohemians fans made up 680 of that number, meaning only 400 United fans bothered going to the game.

It is no wonder United – 8/1 shots to win on Friday – are struggling financially, and had to release a clutch of players earlier in the season due to a lack of income at the club, and once the season is over, someone is going to have to sit down and address the issue, as United have steadily haemorrhaged fans over the past five or so seasons. 

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.