Promoted Monaghan force Galway to take the drop

A MISERABLE season for Galway United ended in relegation last night as Monaghan United ended their 10 year absence from the top flight in emphatic fashion in Terryland Park.

Galway United 1,Monaghan United 3

The visitors had a two-goal cushion from the first leg and they took just over half and hour to double that advantage as the home side failed to mount any serious challenge.

Monaghan twice tested Tribesmen goalkeeper Conor Winn in the opening 10 minutes and the only thing the home fans had to cheer in the opening 45 minutes was when president-elect Michael D Higgins took his seat in the stand.

But he won’t have enjoyed his regular trip to Terryland Park last night, with Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien all but settling the tie with two goals in a five-minute spell.

The first arrived in the 26th minute when John Reilly’s ball split the United defence and O’Brien ran on unchecked to fire past Winn from 20 yards. The visiting fans were still celebrating when he added a second five minutes later.

United had to wait until the 51st minute for their first effort on target, Alan Murphy forcing a save from Gabriel Sava, but the visitors immediately broke downfield where Sean Brennan picked out his brother Ryan to fire past Winn. The home side had the final say, Alan Murphy grabbing a consolation in the 82nd minute.

GALWAY UNITED: Winn; Sinnott, Son, Gaughan, Walsh; Caldwell (Duggan 58), G Kelly, Browne (S Kelly 58), Gilmore; Murphy, Ryan (Gartlan 74).

MONAGHAN UNITED: Sava; Whelan, Collins (P Byrne 57), A Byrne, Grimes; Reilly, Quinn, R Brennan (McDonagh 57), Keegan (D Byrne 57); O’Brien, S Brennan.

Referee: Padraig Sutton (Clare).