Galway secure Premier Division status

Galway United have secured their place in the 2026 top division after a 1-1 draw in Waterford.  

An early Steven Walsh header was cancelled out by fellow elder statesman Padraig Amond, as Waterford must now face Bray Wanderers in the relegation playoff.   

Going into the final round of fixtures, Sligo Rovers, Waterford and Galway all sat together on 39 points, with the Blues occupying the crucial play-off position due to an inferior goal difference.   

Thanks to an Owen Elding winner, Sligo surprised in Tallaght, where they defeated a celebratory Shamrock Rovers side 2-1. 

This meant a Waterford win would have ceded Galway to 9th place.   

Despite knowing a point would be enough, the Tribesmen enjoyed a much better opening half creating a flurry of chances.  

Mr. Galway United himself, Steven Walsh, headed home from a lofted David Hurley cross for his fourth goal in five games to give United the lead.   

John Caulfield’s side continued to take the initiative, with Hurley striking from range and Bobby Burns forcing a strong save from Stephen McMullan.   

Walsh came closest to doubling the visitors’ lead after hitting the upright following an excellent play from Jimmy Keohane.   

United would pay for their lack of a clinical edge as Waterford’s two standout players this season, Conan Noonan and Padraig Amond, combined in an almost identical fashion to the first goal of the day with the latter providing a glancing header to level matters.   

The hosts, chasing the goal to seal survival, dominated much of the second half without creating anything clear cut.  

Multiple rising shots from second half substitute Dean McMenamy was the closest Waterford came to a winner as they now prepare to face the Seagulls in a do or die relegation shootout on Friday.   

For the first time since 2017, Galway will compete in the Premier Division for a third successive season.