Mervue and Athenry likely to battle again for local honours

Date Published: {J}

It is all of three months since Mervue United clinched the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division title for the first time in seven years, and the chase for honours kicks off again this coming weekend with the holders travelling to Annaghadown to face newly promoted Corrib Celtic, while runners-up Athenry host neighbours Oranmore.

On the final dramatic final day of last season, Paugie Kilgannon’s side drew 1-1 with defending champions Athenry and the point was enough to clinch the title.

It was a campaign that saw a number of sides produce a serious challenge as Hibernians and Oranmore just faltered in the final games as the season wound down.

Preseason normally involves a lot of players on the move as they try their hand in new surroundings, but the majority normally revert back to their original clubs when they find the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Throughout the last campaign Mervue United used 22 players and it was this strength in depth that allowed the Fahy’s Field-based side to maintain a challenge throughout.

Few departures are anticipated from the title winning squad, but two former players have returned to the fold as Tommy Walsh and Eoin Concannon’s championship run with St James is over and they will be a huge addition to the side.

Striker Stephen Cunningham will also be like a new player as he has fully recovered from a broken leg and was not fit for all of last season.

Brian Meaney, Eddie Morrisey and Barry McCann amongst a few others are a number of new out-of-town faces in the Mervue camp and their quality will just add to the choice available.

The city side will have to do without leading scorer Stephen Larkin for a few weeks early in the season as he hits the holiday trail, while winger Arron Finnerty will also be wondering who took his place as he relaxes on foreign shores.

“With the retention of almost all of last year’s squad and the addition of a few more we will be working hard to hold off the challenges posed by other clubs,” said Kilgallon.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.