By Mike Rafferty

HAVING meandered their way through five rounds of the Connacht Junior Cup in various degrees of comfort, Athenry will face the ultimate test on Sunday when they meet Castlebar Celtic in the final in Milebush (3pm).

Despite holding a promiment position in the local game over many years, their last success in the competition came on 2016 when they defeated Ballinasloe Town in the decider. It was their fifth title and while this is all historic, Castlebar’s history in the competition is even more impressive as they along with Galway Bohemians have accumulated the most titles with both winning the competition on nine occasions.

Both clubs are at different stages of their season with Athenry facing into the last match of a long campaign, while in contrast the Mayo League have summer football and Castlebar Celtic are just back in competitive action since March. Of course, Athenry’s pedigree and history in the game is well known, but recent years were a little leaner than they were used to. Their last top honour came when crowned Premier Division champions in 2021, while they have finished runners up to Salthill Devon in each of the past two seasons.

Of course, the team is packed with players who have collected numerous awards in the game, while at the same time some of the younger generation like Adam Molloy, Calum Carroll, Ronan Jennings and Elliott Langan have yet to start their medal collection. The team is packed with experienced players like goalkeeper TJ Forde, defenders Gary O’Connell, Dan Cunningham, Sean O’Callaghan, Shane Keogh, Declan Cullen and Morgan  Leggett.

Players like Colm O’Donovan, Adam Duffy, Ray Moran, Cole Connolly and Cathal Fahy have served the club well, while newcomers like Jay McPhilbin and Symon Dziedzina are also in the early stages of their careers. Athenry have one injury concern and the potential loss of midfielder Stephen Relihan would be a big blow.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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