Disappointment for most local sides in Connacht Junior Cup

The Connacht Junior Cup dominated the weekend action and without a doubt the biggest shock was the defeat of Athenry as they slipped out at the last 16 stage against Corrib Rangers. The city side and holders Mervue United are the only Galway & District League sides remaining in the competition, as five local outfits exited on Sunday.

There was an upset in the Western Hygiene Supplies First Division also, as MacDara struck for a late winner to maintain their promotion challenge and in the process see off second placed St Bernard’s in Carraroe.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CUP

In recent times Athenry have been the most decorated Galway side in the Connacht Junior Cup, but their domination of the coveted provincial trophy appears over and on Saturday afternoon at Westside it was Corrib Rangers who sent them packing with a 3-1 success.

The home side probably did their best work in the opening half when facing the elements, as the sides were tied at 1-1 at the break, before two late goals swung matters their way to kill off the contest.

As to be expected, it was Athenry who did most of the early pressing and home custodian Derek Griffin was kept busy making saves to deny Stephen Cunningham and Conor Cannon.

Griffin was also central to their opening goal on 14 minutes when his distribution was picked up by Sean Keogh, and quickly the pacey winger released Geoffrey Power to race away and make it 1-0.

Ten minutes from the break, the visitors levelled matters when a Paddy Quinn free-kick eventually found its way to Conor Cannon and the striker got the better of replacement ’keeper Tadgh O’Malley to leave matters tied at 1-1.

While Athenry continued to push on, they were getting very little latitude from the home back four and indeed with defences dominating at both ends, chances were at a premium.

Eventually the deadlock was broken on 84 minutes when Simon Walsh was fouled in the box and Power duly sent TJ Forde the wrong way to put the home side 2-1 up.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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