The Daily Star Ireland
St Patrick’s Athletic booked their place in another Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup final after a gripping 3-1 extra-time victory over Galway United in Inchicore on Sunday evening.
In a match full of drama, referee Paul McLaughlin made several tough calls, including a decisive red card for Killian Brouder at the end of the first half of extra time. From the resulting free-kick, Chris Forrester delivered a moment of magic, beating former Pat’s goalkeeper Brendan Clarke to tilt the tie firmly in the hosts’ favor.
Earlier, Jake Mulraney looked to have won the contest with a sublime strike seven minutes from time, only for Galway’s outstanding midfielder David Hurley to level with a deflected effort deep into stoppage time, forcing an additional 30 minutes. But with Galway reduced to ten men, Pat’s substitute Jordon Garrick sealed the win with a composed finish five minutes from the end, easing any late nerves in the home camp.
Galway’s Spirit Meets St Pat’s Quality
Galway United, still reeling as a club from the passing of much-loved figure Ollie Horgan, produced a defiant display at a ground where they’ve endured little success in recent years. They matched Pat’s stride for stride for much of the evening, with Hurley, Patrick Hickey, and Dara McGuinness working tirelessly. Yet, ultimately, the class of Forrester, Mulraney, and 17-year-old Mason Melia tipped the scales in favor of the Inchicore side.
The game began tentatively under blustery skies, with neither side finding rhythm until midway through the first half. Mulraney’s wing play gave Pat’s their first spark, while Galway’s best chance came from a corner, where Jimmy Keohane’s effort was brilliantly saved by Joseph Anang.
Melia, a Tottenham-bound talent who has already attracted plenty of headlines, battled fiercely but at times let inexperience show. His reckless challenge on Jeannot Esua before halftime might have warranted harsher punishment, though McLaughlin opted for a yellow.
Key Moments in a Classic Cup Tie
The second half brought more energy, with Mulraney squandering a golden chance after being set up by Forrester. Galway thought they had escaped again when Melia was pulled down in the box without a penalty being given, a decision later shown on replays to be clear.
As the clock wound down, Galway spurned chances of their own, McGuinness skying a gilt-edged opportunity before Hickey’s header tested Anang. Moments later, Mulraney broke the deadlock with a crisp right-footed finish from the edge of the box, sparking wild celebrations among the home support.
But Galway weren’t finished. In injury time, Hurley’s long-range effort, aided by a deflection off Jamie Lennon, found the net to stun Inchicore and force extra time.
The additional half hour saw both sides go close, with Galway’s Garry Buckley and Hickey drawing sharp saves from Anang, while Melia squandered another clear chance. Then came the turning point: Brouder tripped Melia on the edge of the area, earning a red card. Forrester stepped up and curled his free-kick expertly into the near post to restore Pat’s lead.
From there, Garrick added a third with a curling strike, while Conor Carty hit the post late on as Galway’s resistance finally faded.
Final Whistle and What’s Next
The result leaves Stephen Kenny’s Pat’s one step from lifting silverware again, while John Caulfield’s Galway, though gallant, were left heartbroken. Fans taunted Amorim with chants of “sacked in the morning,” though his position appears safe for now despite their poor FAI Cup record.
This was an old-school Cup battle—full of crunching tackles, big saves, controversy, and moments of individual brilliance—played in testing conditions. In the end, St Patrick’s Athletic showed the composure and quality required to reach another final, where they will now aim to crown their season with glory.
Final Score: St Patrick’s Athletic 3–1 Galway United (AET)
