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Galway United complete their stunning escape from the relegation zone with a last-day win over already-relegated UCD in Dublin to make sure the Tribesmen would be in the top flight next year. Coming into the game, Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps, and Galway were all battling to avoid the two drop spots still remaining, with Harps and Galway with the best chances. Paul Hegarty's men did their part in Donegal, beating Shamrock Rovers 2-0 in front of a raucous home crowd. After a half hour of attacking, Marc Mukendi put the home side up and signaled hope for their Premier Division hopes. Conor Gethins, one of the league's brighter talents and last year's 1st Division player of the year, could move on to a higher-up club in the top flight or perhaps across the water to Britain. Galway made the journey to Dublin to take on the already relegated UCD at the Belfield Bowl, and the match was tense from beginning to end. It was mostly a midfield battle until the 37^th minute when Galway took the lead through former Ireland international John Fitzgerald’s goal, one the Tribesmen will remember for years to come. Alan Murphy’s well-struck corner found Fitzgerald, who struck it into the net to send the away fans into joyous celebration. Galway looked the more likely to score in the 2^nd half, with Jay O’Shea and John Lester both coming close to doubling the lead. The final whistle saw raucous celebrations from both players and fans as their Premier division status was confirmed for next season. And much of the credit must go to player-manager Jeff Kenna, who came in as manager about midway through the season when Galway looked dead and gone already under Tony Cousins. Due to their financial difficulties, former player Kenna was even forced to play a little bit. Undoubtedly Galway will lose some of their better players before next campaign, notably Jay O’Shea, who has appeared in Ireland’s U21 and U23 squad in recent times and has a host of cross-channel clubs rumored to be interested in him.

 

- Andrew McCarten