Tribal Invasion of Belfield

With 90 minutes of football separating Galway United and Finn Harps from either joy or despair, Jeff Kenna's men can at least be guaranteed of a vocal travelling contingent who are making the journey east from the City of the Tribes.

United have not been known for their large band of away supporters this season. 40-50 has been the average number for arduous trips north, south, and east. But the manner of the club's resurrection from almost certain relegation has galvanised the support, and a bumper crowd of 2,790 turned up at Terryland Park last week despite the presence of television cameras and a hostile night weatherwise.

On the back of last week's triumph, large numbers have pledged allegiance to the Tribal Army, and the Galway United Supporters Trust, led by Ronan Coleman, have put buses in place to take 130 fans to the capital. Buses from a city secondary school and the club itself will ferry more eager United fans, while a pub in Athenry has also joined in the frenzy, catering for the enthusiasts in the area.

Such a large maroon gathering in the capital has not been seen since the 1991 FAI Cup Final, when Johnny Glynn struck gold for The Tribesmen. Tonight's encounter has the aura of a Cup Final, with a win securing Premier football next season. In the region of 500 expectant Galway fans are expected to descend on the Belfield Bowl. Win or lose, at least they won't have to travel through Moate.