By Mike Rafferty

WITH four teams contending for the two promotion positions from the First Division, weekend success for Craughwell United and Mac Dara has all but confirmed that both will be playing in the Championship next season.

Craughwell certainly will be, for not only did their 3-1 away win over Salthill Devon B clinch their promotion, but also gave them a unassailable lead at the top of the table as their victory confirmed them as First Division champions with two games to spare.

Meanwhile, Carraroe based Mac Dara came from behind to see off neighbours Cois Fharraige by 2-1 and following this success, they have completed their campaign and are in second position in the table. In reality, it should be might for them to clinch the runners up position as they enjoy a 14-point advantage over Cois Fharraige, who enjoy five games in hand and will need to win all of them in order to pip Mac Dara by a point. It’s a tall order, but of course is possible.

Salthill Devon B were very much part of the Division One title race for the duration of the season and their meeting with Craughwell on Saturday in Drom was a big game for both clubs. Aided by the considerable elements in the opening half, it was the visitors who took command as they led by 2-0 at the break. They took an early lead when a long range punt by Alan Callanan made it past goalkeeper Finn Murphy and the custodian almost made up for that when he got his hand to a Darragh O’Connor penalty, but was not able to keep the effort out of the net.

The resumption saw Salthill Devon B have chances to get back in the game, but found Craughwell goalkeeper Kyle Heverin difficult to beat. However, the home side got a break when a Ronan Geraghty set piece delivery found Dan Hoare all alone to finish from close range.

The Craughwell team which defeated Salthill Devon B last Sunday to claim the Galway & District League Division One title. Back row, left to right: Eoin Shiel, Daniel Grealish, captain, Connor Dolan, Finbarr McFadden, Kyle Heverin, Liam Mulveen. Front row: Darragh O’Connor, Alan Callanan, Joe Jackson, Cian Garman, Ross Whelton.