John Caulfield led Galway to victory over St Pats on the day of his mother’s funeral

He wasn’t going to be here. His dad told him to come."

John Caulfield coached Galway United to a 2-1 victory over St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night, just hours after his mother's funeral.

Nora Caulfield was laid to rest in Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon on Friday morning, after passing away last Wednesday.

Most would have expected the Galway United manager to miss Friday's game against St Pats, and understandably so given the loss he had suffered.

Yet, the Cork City legend was on the sideline at Eamonn Deacy Park and inspired Galway to a famous win.

Caulfield's father John Sr. convinced him to manage the Tribesmen in the League of Ireland Premier Division clash later on Friday.

Galway assistant manager Ollie Horgan handled post-match media duties and paid tribute to Caulfield.

"It was probably a fitting end to the week," Horgan said.

"It's been a tough week for John. A tough week for all of us involved, but it's a great way to finish it if there's a good way to finish it."

"That’s John. He wasn’t going to be here. His dad told him to come, and his dad is a supporter of ours at the age he is. That’s what it’s all about."

"I'd say John's mother was looking down here tonight."

Galway recorded an impressive victory on the night thanks to Patrick Hickey's two goals in the first half. St Pats equalised via a wondergoal by Aiden Keena, but Stephen Kenny's side couldn't find an equaliser.

Caufield has been in charge at Galway since August 2020 and led them back into the Premier Division in 2023. Last season, they finished fifth in the top flight.

Caulfield, 60, previously coached Cork City between 2013 and 2019, and managed them to three FAI Cups and a Premier Division league title.