By Mike Rafferty

CRAUGHWELL United are included with some elite company in the last 64 of the FAI Junior Cup and will be part of the National draw this week following a weekend success over Knocknacarra.

They will be joined in the next round by Salthill Devon who saw off Athenry comfortably and Mervue United who were fully extended when defeating Bearna Na Forbacha by a single goal AT Fahy’s Field.

For two sides doing well in the Championship, picking the winner between Craughwell United and Knocknacarra was pure guesswork as regards who was going to come through. However, it was the home side who put down the early markers as they ran out 3-1 winners.

Craughwell took the lead midway through the opening half when Cian Garman set up Sean Connaughton for the opener. They added a second just after the restart when Eoin Shiel was upended in the box and Adon MacFarlane slotted home the resulting penalty

But there was a quick response to that at the other end as Luke McHugh pulled one back for the visitors. After striking a post earlier, Shiel eventually got his reward when he slotted home the third with an effort from inside the box. Thereafter, the home side had to do some defending as Knocknacarra went chasing the game but this victory means Craughwell have qualified for this stage of the FAI Junior Cup for the first time ever.

Three divisions separate Mervue United and Bearna Na Forbacha in league terms, but one would never have suspected that when the sides went head to head at Fahy’s Field on Saturday afternoon, before the home side eventually prevailed by 1-0.

The matchwinner was converted by Kody McCann three minutes before the break, but for the duration the sides went toe to toe in a competitive encounter. The home team were certainly the busier early on as visiting custodian Mairtin Conneely was kept alert, but generally Bearna Na Forbacha defended well.

The visitors pressed more forward on the resumption and Cian Hernon had an effort that flew just over, while impressive substitute Sam Golden was a constant threat on his introduction. Twice he went close to an equaliser, while a Hernon pass inside to Golden was cut out by Darragh McGrath in a crucial interception in the latter stages.

On an occasion when he faced his brother Luke, Sam O’Gorman was certainly an impressive performer for Bearna Na Forbacha as they came up just short in a solid performance.

The remaining game saw Salthill Devon build on a one goal interval advantage, s they eventually saw off great rivals Athenry by 4-0. Colin Kelly got their opener, while Mikie Fox, Ben McDonnell and Jack Arra added to their tally in the second half. The draw for the next round is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Friday).

Pictured: Mervue United’s Adam Healy in a race dor posseasion with and Tadhg Fahertyof Bearna na Forbacha Aontaithe during Saturday’s FAI Junior Cup tie at Fahy’s Field. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.