Keegan’s Galway lose Premier spot

OH DEAR - two relegations in successive seasons isn’t a great C.V. for any soccer manager, but that’s the state of play as far as Shane Keegan is concerned after the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division concluded on Friday.

The Laois man presided over the drop of Galway United from the top flight, twelve months after being at the helm when Wexford Youths’ one-year stay among the elite ended in bitter disappointment.

Keegan quickly turned from hero to villain around Ferrycarrig Park. While his leadership inspired the team to a maiden First Division title and promotion to the Premier Division, their stay was shortlived.

And it’s what happened in the final week of last season’s campaign that raised the ire of players and supporters alike.

Youths were taking a 2-0 lead into the second leg of the promotion/ relegation play-off away to Drogheda United when news broke on the day of the game that Keegan was about to leave the club for Galway.

And after Wexford slumped to a 3-0 loss, there was considerable anger among the masses when a photograph appeared on the westerners’ social media the very next day of a smiling Keegan signing on the dotted line as their new boss.

Dropping down to the First Division is a huge blow for Galway United, particularly as they are experiencing financial difficulties.

It remains to be seen if Keegan will hold on to his job. And if he does, the reception he gets on his return to Ferrycarrig Park when the sides meet in 2018 will be awaited with interest.