Edward McCarthy of Galway United holds off Darragh Nugent of St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park  © Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Galway United have preserved their top-flight status for 2027 thanks to this goalless draw against St Pat’s at Eamonn Deacy Park.

John Caulfield’s side entered the game knowing a draw would be enough to cement their safety, regardless of what happened between Waterford and Drogheda. And they put in a dogged display against a toothless St Pat’s side.

The game unfolded in the predictable fashion of Pat’s dominating possession. United sat deep, maintaining that stubborn shape that has become synonymous with John Caulfield’s team. 

The Saints failed to translate that dominance on the ball into tangible chances on goal. A largely uneventful first half was summed up by Aidan Keena’s speculative 25-yard effort being the first St Pat’s effort on target on the 33rd-minute mark.

Stephen Kenny’s visitors emerged for the second half with a renewed optimism. They were much more incisive in their play, testing the Galway backline with dangerous balls into the box. Connor Barratt had to be alert to clear Keena’s effort off the line on the 48th minute.

Skipper Jimmy Keohane and Stephen Walsh linked up on the edge of the Pat’s area to fashion United’s best chance of the game after 52 minutes. Keohane’s effort was straight at Joseph Anang. 

While there was a noticeable improvement in intensity, both sides didn’t do enough to break the other down. 

The visitors huffed and puffed, but Galway were not going to let that point evade them. For a side heavily tipped to go down at the beginning of the season, Caulfield’s side continues to defy the odds. 

For Kenny, it spells a disappointing end to what was looking to be such a positive campaign. From dreams of the title to no win in three in just one week.

Galway United: Hugo Pires Da Cunha; Anthony O’Connor, Connor Barratt, Gianfranco Facchineri, Lee Devitt; Jimmy Keohane (capt), Aaron Bolger, David Hurley, Ed McCarthy (Dylan Connolly 80); Kris Twardek (Francely Lamboto 80), Stephen Walsh.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang; Joseph Redmond (capt), Darragh Nugent, Luke Turner; James Brown, Chris Forrester (Anthony Olusanya 81), Romal Palmer (Kian Leavy 60), Ryan Sheridan (Seán Hoare 60, McHale 70), Jason McClelland; Ryan Edmondson, Aidan Keena (Jamie Lennon 81).

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan