As the League of Ireland season approaches its conclusion, each available point at both ends of the table is crucial. Galway United's manager John Caulfield could hardly envisage a title race involving his side less than a month ago but with Shelbourne, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers struggling to find consistency the men from the West are suddenly in the picture to collect the premier division title.
But last night's 1-1 draw with bottom side Dundalk may have put an end to their unlikely title challenge. Post-match it wasn't the result that annoyed Caulfield though, a mistimed second-half tackle from Aodh Dervin on Galway defender Greg Cunningham infuriated the former Cork City man.
Never a red card in a million years pic.twitter.com/xGkbfEQR6t
— Shane Kennedy (@SKennedy93) October 5, 2024
A turbulent time recently regarding funding for the Oriel Park club meant that Galway would've expected three points especially after taking the lead through Patrick Hickey before half-time. A late equaliser from Eoin Kenny in injury time was the catalyst for Caulfield to vent his frustrations after the final whistle.
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Caulfield livid with wild Dundalk tackle in dramatic draw
Known for his feisty touchline behaviour, Caulfield has received numerous bans during his 24-year managerial career and you can see why.
This is really poor from John Caulfield.
For 90 minutes you go to battle for your team and at the end you shake hands, that's football.
Yes, it wasn't a great challenge from Dervin but there was NO WAY he intended to hurt Cunningham.
Has a Galway player never fouled anyone? pic.twitter.com/IurKIm06aO— Kieran Burke 🏇⚽🎙️ (@Kieran_B_Sport) October 5, 2024
Having played for Galway only a matter of months ago, Dervin is no stranger to Caulfield and could've expected the backlash following the tackle on Cunningham. Speaking to reporters after the match, Caulfield explained his reasoning behind his fury:
There's an over the ball tackle here in the last 4 or 5 minutes, Greg Cunningham is taken out of the game and you could see clearly that it was a serious challenge and our subs are made, he can't continue, he's not able to run.
It was still 11 v 11, but really 11 v 10 against us. It was frustrating for us as it was clearly an over the ball tackle and they should have been down to 10 men.
🎙️ | Galway United manager John Caulfield looks back on a 1-1 draw with Dundalk tonight#LOITV | #GALDUN pic.twitter.com/y9bgkDB56N
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 4, 2024
