Galway just Aodh-one for Dervin
AODH DERVIN has revealed how the toughest jobs in his career have also been the most rewarding.
The Galway United midfielder has yo-yoed between the Premier and First Divisions in an eight-year career that has seen him chalk up 134 games for hometown club Longford, 34 for Shels and now 19 for Galway.
This is his third stint as a Premier player and even though it is way more taxing than playing in the lower division, the 24-year-old would not have it any other way.
“The big difference between fulltime and part-time football, between the top division and the First Division, is that once you make mistakes up here, you get punished,” said Dervin.
“Every footballer in the country wants to be in the Premier Division. We showed last Friday (when they beat Dundalk 2-0) how good we are.
“Once I went back to Longford last year, I got my head down and worked as hard as I could.
“The Galway move came on the back of that. Look, I am delighted to be back in the Premier. It is way tougher than the First Division. But this is where you want to play.”
The question now is how long can Galway stay there.
Promoted last season, they are all fully aware of how sides that come up often go straight back down. But Galway showed real steel on Friday.
“It was unbelievable. The First Division you learn a lot but this is where you want to be. The competitiveness and edge you get every week is special.
“Every week is played in front of a huge attendance. It is great playing in front of people. That extra atmosphere. It makes a difference.”
He first got the chance when Longford got promoted.
Then when they went down, Damien Duff’s number appeared on his phone one day, Shelbourne’s boss wanting to sign him.
“Damien Duff was great to me,” he explained.
“Everything he said, he was exactly that.
“He helped me a lot — he was caring, he would go out on a limb for you.
“He helped me get my move to Galway.
And he is grateful.
“This is a brilliant club; there is a real energy about the place.
“It is an amazing club to be a part of. It is a pleasure to be here.”
DIARY
(7.45pm unless stated)
DERV’ AND VOLLEY: Aodh Dervin battles for the ball against Dundalk
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Treaty Utd Athlone Town Cork City Finn Harps Bray Wand’ UCD
Cobh Ramb’ Longford Tn Kerry Wexford FC
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