Josh Fitzpatrick's early cracker gives Ger Nash vital first win as Cork City boss
In all, City had gone 14 games dating back to April without a league victory. Their slim hopes of avoiding relegation require much more of the same as they remain eight points behind Sligo Rovers.
And if the Bit O'Red win their game in hand against Shelbourne, Galway could be dragged into the relegation play-off berth before the weekend is out.
Cork replicated their rapid start against Sligo Rovers by netting their fastest goal of the season in little over four minutes.
After Harry Nevin's good work down the right, they switched the ball via Matthew Kiernan to Fitzpatrick on the other flank. He took two touches to tee up a 25-yard rocket, which roared into the far bottom corner. The young winger's first professional goal will rank high on the club's goal of the season shortlist.
But captain Fiacre Kelleher limped off injured after a penalty appeal as Galway upped the ante.
They almost caught their hosts cold with a training-ground corner-kick routine. However, Jimmy Keohane's fierce effort was deflected over by his teammate Edward McCarthy.
More pressure down the flanks led to a Stephen Walsh header, which drew a sharp reaction save from Conor Brann. The goalkeeper later denied a glancing Colm Horgan header from another set-piece, while Keohane couldn't connect with a through ball.
Caulfield called on returning midfielder Patrick Hickey at half-time, but it took the Tribesmen a while to forge a clear-cut chance.
It fell to the American, who whizzed wide, although a corner was awarded for an apparent nick off Rory Feely. The centre-back also got in the way of a David Hurley blast.
Despite some anxious moments under Galway's aerial bombardment, five yellow cards, and nine minutes of added time, City held out thanks to last-gasp goalline blocks from Walsh and Hurley.
Cork City: Brann; Nevin, Feely, Kelleher (Anderson 28), Kiernan; Crowley, McLaughlin; Nolan (Lutz 63), Nelson (Kamara 63), Fitzpatrick (Couto 90+2); Maguire.
Galway United: Clarke; Esua, Buckley, Slevin, Burns (Piesold 81); Keohane (Borden 71), Horgan (Hickey 46), Hurley, McCarthy (Bolger 57); Walsh, McGuinness (Brouder 71).
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