Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

Defences were not a priority for any of the teams involved in the four Schweppes Cup Division 2 quarter-finals played on Saturday, as 27 goals were scored with West Coast United, Bearna Na Forbacha, East Galway United, and Kinvara United all advancing to the last four.

West Coast United appeared to be coasting when they went four up in the opening half away against Moyne Villa B, but by the end were hanging on as the home side staged a great recovery, before the Connemara side eventually prevailed 5-4.

Enda Conneely and Noah Murray both scored twice for the visitors, as Eoin Mahon added a fifth. Jamie O’Regan, with the aid of a few penalties, notched a hat-trick for the Headford side, with a Daragh Flynn-Dolan goal completing their tally.

It was equally crazy in Kilshanvey where the home side lost an early two goal advantage against Bearna Na Forbacha, as matters finished level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes and 3-3 at the end of extra time, before the visitors prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out.

Goals by Conor O’Neill and Mark Danagher had Kilshanvey 2-0 up, before finishes by Jordan Devlin and Sam O’Gorman levelled matters. Bearna Na Forbacha continued their goal streak as Oisin Keane added a third to put them 3-2 up, but a late extra time equaliser by Danny Concannon eventually sent the contest to penalties and where the visitors just edged it by 5-4.

The next high scoring competitive contest took place in Kinvara and where the home side saw off Corrib Celtic B 4-2, as Adam Noone (2), Domhnaill McMahon, and Nathan Smith all hit the target for the hosts.

The remaining contest was a much more one-sided affair as East Galway United recorded a 6-0 away win over Corofin United B. Two up at the break, Darren Harewood and Jakub Wysocki both scored twice for the visitors, with Mark Kilkenny and Frankie Kenny completing their tally.

CONNACHT SHIELD

Corrib Celtic were always in command of this Connacht Shield Last 16 tie away against Tuam Celtic as they advanced with a 5-2 success and in the process set up a quarter-final meeting  with Castlebar Celtic B.

Goals by Chris Greaney and Cian O’Toole had the visitors 2-0 up, before Adam Hynes pulled one back with his first senior goal for Tuam. Further goals from Greaney, Shane Concannon and Dara McNamara allowed Corrib Celtic pull away, before Cian Ryan got a late consolation goal for the home side.

MICHAEL BYRNE CUP

There was no conclusion to the Michael Byrne Cup contest between Athenry and University of Galway in Moanbawn on Saturday afternoon, as proceedings were called to a halt early when an Athenry player suffered a head injury and required medical treatment.

The game was level at 1-1 at the time, with Adam Duffy and Leon Daly having exchanged the goals. Thankfully, the injured player is making a good recovery. The contest will be rescheduled for a later date.

Loughrea were no match for Salthill Devon as Mikey Fox, Jack Arra, Princewell Diala, Tommy McKeown, and Paul Scally all found the net for the visitors, while a late Enda Curran penalty gave Mervue United a 3-2 win over neighbours Renmore.

Goals by Aaron Neary and Kody McCann had the visitors 2-0 up, before a Renmore recovery made matters competitive as Kieran McGinty and Luke Byrnes found the net to level matters at 2-2.

JOE RYAN CUP

Corofin United sprung somewhat of a surprise with a 3-1 away win over West United as they advanced from this preliminary round of the Joe Ryan Cup with a bit to spare. Cathal Silke (2) and Barry O’Donovan took the scoring honours at South Park.

Scoreless at the break, Eoghan McDonagh scored twice on the resumption as Craughwell United registered a 2-0 away win over St Bernard’s; while in the remaining tie, Thomas Pierce scored the only goal of the game as Maree-Oranmore B were 1-0 winners over Colemanstown United.

Pictured: The Galway League U-16 squad that beat the Desmond League from Limerick 1-0 in Eamonn Deacy Park at the weekend, with Aoife Bergin getting the match winner from a second-half free-kick. Back row, from left: Kayla Mc Donald, Emily Kavanagh, Estelle Martin, Gaia Menerini, Chloe Kerrigan, Aoife Bergin, Holly Conboy, Lilly Kerby, and Kayleigh Moloney. Front: Niamh McGuaran, Isabella Mooney, Maggie Daly, Darina Todosi, Katie Lynch, Lilly May Feeney, and Anna Jordan. Photos: Joe O’Shaughnessy.