Everything still to play for as leagues hit the home stretch

WITH the Galway and District League entering the closing weeks of the season, competition is providing an exciting finale as St Bernard’s and Cois Fharraige are in pole position for title honours in Divisions One and Two, while Athenry and Craughwell United are just behind the table toppers with their challenge in the Premier and Third Division respectively.

In the First Division, four teams are very much involved in the promotion battle with St Bernard’s, Corrib Rangers, MacDara and West Coast United all in the mix.

With leaders Rangers not in league action over the weekend, St Bernard’s took full advantage with their game in hand as a 2-1 home win over Renmore moved them to the top of the table by a point from the City side. Mind you, it wasn’t a comfortable success as they had to come from behind in order to squeeze out their narrow win via goals each side of the break from Shane King and Sean King.

MacDara and West Coast United are the other two teams behind the leading duo and they have some work to do to catch up, but with all the teams still involved having to meet one another before the campaign ends, an interesting finale is in prospect.

Tuam Celtic moved into the top half of the table with a 7-1 success over bottom side West United B as Graham Fallon (two), Colin Brady (two), Mike Swinhoe, Niall Quinn and Ryan O’Neill all found the net for the home side.

Both Colemanstown United and Moyne Villa were on a long losing streak before the Headford side emerged 3-1 winners on Saturday, courtesy of goals by Pearse Connor (two) and Colin Reilly. Their previous success was in the three months previously in a 1-0 win over Tuam Celtic, while Colemanstown last picked up a point in a 1-1 draw with neighbours St Bernard’s way back in December.

Second Division

Leaders Cois Fharraige had to up the pace in the second half after they found themselves two one down at the break against Kinvara, before recovering well to record a 4-2 success. Jamie O’Hara and Rory Travis were on the mark for the home side, with Donal Ó Ceallaigh notched a hat trick for the visitors, while a Ronán Mac Donnacha finish completed the tally for the Connemara side. They enjoy a strong advantage at the top of the table from Knocknacarra and Dynamo Blues, with the two chasing sides having games in hand.

Blues were always in command in a 7-1 win over St Patrick’s with Eanna Donnellon (two), Ryan Keane, Keith Fleming, Aaron Laurance, Padraig Ward and Matheus Viera on the mark for the Tuam side.

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

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