Drogheda United travel west in search of an opening-day victory against a Galway United side in transition.
Galway United’s pre-season has been less than convincing, most notably a 6–0 defeat to rivals Sligo Rovers. However, it would be unfair to suggest that pre-season form is an accurate representation of what to expect in the upcoming campaign.
There is optimism among supporters following several winter signings. Kris Twardek, Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, and Gianfranco Facchineri have all arrived from Canada, while the signing of Lee Devitt from Treaty United has also generated excitement among the fanbase.
Drogheda United were beaten by rivals Dundalk in the Jim Malone Cup, losing on penalties.
The departure of Darragh Markey will be a significant loss for Kevin Doherty’s men. However, the return of Mark Doyle to Irish football is expected to provide a boost as the Louth side look to push for European qualification.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday February 4th
Where to Watch: LOITV
Betting Odds: Galway United @1/1, Draw @21/10, Drogheda United @27/10
Referee: Oliver Moran
Team News
Dara McGuiness and Cillian Tollett are expected to be unavailable for selection on Friday night.
Several players are in line for their debuts, the aforementioned arrivals as well as Wasiri Williams, Matty Wolfe and Conor Barrett.
It was confirmed on Wednesday evening that Jimmy Keohane will captain the tribesman for the upcoming season.
Owen Lambe will be out of action for Drogheda at Eamon Deacy Park.
Photographed by oneshotphotography
Key Statistics
Only Joey Anang kept more clean sheets than Luke Dennison last season.
Only Cork City scored fewer goals than Galway United last season, with Drogheda United finishing eighth.
Drogheda United’s defensive numbers were central to their success in the 2025 campaign, with only Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Shelbourne conceding fewer goals than Kevin Doherty’s men.
Key Players
Lee Devitt could be the answer to Galway United’s goalscoring problems. The midfielder scored 15 goals in the First Division last season for Treaty United, and his explosiveness may prove the difference as John Caulfield searches for an opening-day victory.
Drogheda United spent big on Brandon Kavanagh as a replacement for Darragh Markey. The attacking midfielder signed a two year deal and will be hoping to make an instant impact for his new club. Kavanagh’s last goal against Galway United came in 2021 for Bray Wanderers, in the promotion/relegation playoffs.
Previous Meetings
24/10/25 – Galway United 1-1 Drogheda United
04/07/25 – Drogheda United 1-0 Galway United
25/04/25 – Galway United 2-1 Drogheda United
28/02/25 – Drogheda United 1-1 Galway United