Galway United 1-1 Bray Wanderers (5-3 on penalties)
Brave Seagulls bow out of FAI Cup after dramatic penalty
shootout in Galway
Club Orange FAI Cup 3rd Round. Friday, 14th August 2026.
Gareth Danaher reports from Eamonn Deacy Park.
Bray Wanderers were cruelly denied a place in the FAI Cup quarter-finals on Friday night as
Galway United edged the Seagulls 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time
at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Bray produced a determined and courageous performance against their Premier Division
opponents and looked set for a famous cup victory when Tyreik Sammy gave the visitors the
lead with just ten minutes of normal time remaining.
However, Galway responded almost immediately, with David Hurley finding the net six minutes
later to send the tie into extra time.
The opening 45 minutes belonged largely to the hosts, with Galway enjoying plenty of
possession and creating several opportunities. The Tribesmen struck the woodwork three times
during the match, but Bray’s defence stood firm to keep the scores level.
As the game progressed, the Seagulls grew into the contest and began to threaten on the
counter. Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 80th minute when Sammy put Bray
ahead, giving Paul Heffernan’s side a precious lead with the quarter-finals within touching
distance.
Galway, however, refused to go quietly.
Six minutes later, Hurley produced a superb strike from outside the box to restore parity and
send the game into an additional 30 minutes.
Extra time proved just as dramatic, with both sides having opportunities to settle the tie. Bray
continued to show tremendous character, but neither team could find the decisive goal.
That meant penalties would decide the contest.
Galway held their nerve from 12 yards, with David Hurley, Frantz Pierrot, Jimmy Keohane, Lee
Devitt and Dylan Connolly all converting their spot-kicks.
Bray scored three of their penalties, but Galway goalkeeper Hugo da Cunha produced the
decisive moment when he saved Richard Ferizaj’s effort.
Connolly then stepped up and converted the winning penalty to send Galway United into the FAI
Cup quarter-finals.
For Bray, it was a heartbreaking conclusion to an outstanding cup performance. The Seagulls
had taken one of the country’s top sides all the way to the wire and came within minutes of
securing a memorable victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Despite the disappointment, Bray can take considerable pride from their performance. Against a
Galway side determined to progress in front of their home supporters, the Seagulls showed
bravery, organisation and belief throughout 120 minutes.
Ultimately, the fine margins of a penalty shootout decided the tie, but Bray Wanderers leave the
FAI Cup with their heads held high after pushing Galway United to the very limit.
Galway United: Cunha; McCarthy (Kazeem 63), Twardek (Devitt 63), O’Connor (Barratt 83),
Kavanagh, Facchineri (Williams 91); Bolger, Hurley, Keohane; Lomboto (Connolly 77), Walsh
(Pierrot 63).
Bray Wanderers: Hogan; O’Shea, Kizenga (Knight 100), Fagbemi, Osagie, Duggan;
McCormack (Cheese 110), Sesay (Ryan 63), Tucker (Ferizaj 63); Achara (Sammy 75), Mustali
(Oluwabiyi 75).
Attendance: 1,257 (official).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
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