By Mike Rafferty

MOYNE Villa and Hibernians will contest the Michael Byrne Cup final following wins in contrasting fashion in Saturday’s semi-finals. Undoubtedly, the most impressive performance came from Moyne Villa as they defeated Mervue United by 3-0 in Headford.

Twice the sides had shared the spoils in league meetings, but on this occasion it was the home side who set the agenda, as a two goal interval advantage was added to on the resumption to give them a comfortable victory.

Villa took the lead on the half hour mark when Padraig Cunningham slotted home a loose ball in the box and in the last minute of the half they made it 2-0 when Darragh Forde applied a far post finish to a deep Aidan Coyle cross. Though the contest remained competitive, it was Moyne Villa who added the third on 70 minutes when Adam Nugent applied the finish to a Cunningham lay off to kill off the contest and set them up for a first ever Michael Byrne Cup final appearance.

The second semi-final certainly provided a surprise as Hibernians defeated Athenry by 5-4 on penalties after the sides had finished level at 3-3 following extra time. In a contest played in Bohermore, it was the visitors who appeared to be in control of their own destiny as goals by Declan Cullen and Ryan Corcoran each side of the break had them two up and in command.

However, the game took a turn when Joe Hynes pulled one back converted a penalty and with time almost up, a Darren Moylan finish levelled matters at 2-2 and sent the contest to extra-time.

Once more it was Athenry who seized the initiative as Adam Duffy put them ahead, but for the second time in the game the City side struck for a late equaliser as Darcy Ngodjo tied up matters at 3-3. The penalty shoot-out saw just one miss as stand-in goalkeeper Nathan Ward had a comfortable save to make and it was Darren Moylan who slotted home the winning spot kick to make it 5-4 and give his side a place in the final.

FAI Junior Cup

Salthill Devon are through to the semi-finals of the FAI Junior Cup as an extra time Colin Kelly goal gave them a 1-0 win over Castlebar Celtic on Sunday. It sets up a last four meeting away against Wexford outfit North End United. In the other half of the draw, Limerick side Fairview Rangers have already qualified for the final.

Cup Finals

Bearna Na Forbacha are enjoying a good league campaign and are guaranteed promotion from the Second Division. Last Tuesday evening in Eamonn Deacy Park, they collected silverware when defeating Kinvara United by 2-1 in the Schweppes Cup Final. Jordan Devlin and James Langan were on the mark for the winners.

Salthill Devon B are the Jack Lillis Cup champions following a 3-1 success over Galway Bohs in Eamonn Deacy Park on Thursday evening. The winners were always in command as they opened up a two goal advantage through efforts from Dan Hoare and Derek O’Flaherty, before a late Gearoid Ó Leidhinn free kick sealed the win in the closing stages.

Pictured: Killian Keady of Salthill Devon B in a race for possession with Ross Lydon of Galway Bohemians during the Joe Ryan Cup Final at Eamonn Deacy Park. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.