Devon host Mervue Utd as new season kicks-off

LOCAL SOCCER WRAP WITH MIKE RAFFERTY

The chase for title honours in the new Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division season kicks off this evening (Friday), when Salthill Devon host Mervue United in Drom at 8pm, with more action to follow in all four divisions over the weekend.

There were no champions crowned last season as all league campaigns were declared null and void last June. Once sport was allowed to resume in July, some of the clubs were involved in FAI Junior Cup and Connacht Junior Cup action and no doubt the select number of clubs that were involved in those competitions have a huge advantage, as they were training all the time.

For others, the beginning of August is the normal time to shake the cobwebs off and kick-off preseason training, but Salthill Devon and Athenry were two sides who continued training due to cup commitments, and will no doubt be in good shape for the start of the new season.

Without a doubt the place to start is with the new Connacht Junior Cup champions Salthill Devon. The management duo of Victor Collins and Keith Shaughnessy have probably the strongest squad in the league, and were the only unbeaten side when last season’s Premier League was abandoned. No doubt that cancellation was a huge disappointment for them, as they, along with Mervue United, Athenry and West United were all live title contenders.

They have strengthened the squad with the addition of Jackson de Silva and Lucas from Athenry; while two former Galway United U-19 players – Calym Crowe and Killian Doyle – are also part of a new extended panel.

For work as much as football reasons, Shane Concannon has left the side and will return to Corrib Celtic. There is no question they will be the team to beat this season, as some of their closest challengers appear to have lost some of their players, instead of being able to strengthen.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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