Rangers struck by stagefright as Athenry claim Byrne Cup

Athenry 2
Corrib Rangers 1

Mike Rafferty at Drom

The fortunes of the respective Byrne Cup finalists could not be greater and as Athenry maintained their seasonal record of collecting silverware, while in total contrast Corrib Rangers can only look back in horror at their failure in big games.

Saturday’s Michael Byrne Cup final in Drom presented an opportunity to the two sides that were in Mervue United’s Premier League slipstream all season, and while one team rose to the occasion and gained a merited reward, the other really failed to raise a heartbeat in a timid offering.

Athenry were quickest out of the blocks and set a tempo that Rangers just could not match, and from such humble beginnings the city side struggled to lift their game to the type of level that would gain them any reward.

It is difficult to fathom what happens to Rangers in the big games, because somehow a talented bunch of players always appear to underachieve. It must be equally puzzling for manager Brendan O’Connor, and while he shook up the side with a number of changes, it didn’t appear to have the desired effect.

As ever, the performance of Athenry was honest and while the scoreline ensured the contest was always alive, it more than flattered the city side.

It is always refreshing to see a new player make a breakthrough and the performance of Aaron van Niekerk on the right side of the Athenry midfield really caught the eye. Just 17-years-old, he displayed an ability that made him look very comfortable in his surroundings.

Only good Rangers cover and some good fortune kept the contest scoreless in the opening quarter as Athenry dominated. Cathal Fahy and Ray Moran lorded the midfield exchanges as Rangers struggled to get out of their own half. Daragh Geraghty was certainly the busier custodian as his area was under constant threat.

Fahy, Ray Moran and Gary O’Donnell all threatened before Athenry took the lead on 29 minutes, when Conor Cannon delivered a free kick from the left touchline and Stephen Rabbitte rose highest to power home a header for a 1-0 advantage.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.