Mixed day for Mayo clubs in Connacht Junior Cup

It was a mixed day for Mayo clubs in the second round of the Connacht Junior Cup with surprise victories, heavy defeats and one-sided wins across the ten games played last weekend.

Both Castlebar Celtic team are into the draw for Round 3 as they both won on the road against Galway opposition. The B team came from behind to defeat St Bernards 4-3 in Abbeyknockmoy. Thy trailed 2-1 at the break, with Celtic’s goal coming from Conor Joyce, but a second half hat-trick by Dylan Howley ensured their progress over St Bernards, who play in Galway’s top flight.

An excellent display in the second half Celtic ‘A’ saw them overcome in-form Galway Hibs on a 3-0 scoreline.

Galway Hibs, who are level on points at the top with Salthill Devon in their domestic league. Kept Celtic at bay in the first half but a brace from Luke Kelly and one from Jason Hunt ensured Celtic’s progress ahead of a huge FAI Junior Cup clash with 2011 winners and four-time runners-up Pike Rovers this Sunday. The Limerick’s side most recent final appearance was in 2022.

Westport United ‘A’ exited the competition after a 2-0 defeat away to Colga on Saturday but their ‘B’ team are in the hat for the next round as Dan O’Malley’s hat-trick inspired them to a comfortable 4-1 win over West Coast United as they look to emulate their magical run to the quarter-finals from earlier this year. James McNamara netted United’s fourth. United ‘A’ will look to respond this Sunday when they take on Dublin outfit Galty Celtic in the FAI Junior Cup in United Park at 2pm.

Manulla will also be hoping not to make it two consecutive cup exits this weekend after they were beaten 2-0 by Ballisodare United last Sunday. The boys in blue also welcome opposition from the capital in the form of Malahide United to Carramore at 2pm on Sunday.

The hat-tricks for Mayo sides didn’t stop there as Adam Gallagher also collected the match ball after Conn Rangers enjoyed a comprehensive 5-0 win over Corofin United ‘A’. Tadhg O’Sullivan made it four early in the second half before Sean Holmes scored Conn’s fifth with a sweet strike from inside the penalty area.

Iorras Aontaithe needed penalties to edge out Colemanstown United to book their spot in Round 3. The game was played on Kilmore’s home ground as Carne Nash was deemed too wet to play on. James Lavelle put Iorras ahead on 26 minutes, with Cillian Grady finding the equaliser 11 minutes later.

In the second half both sides had their moments to score but the windy conditions made play difficult at times. Billy O’Connor was excellent in defence for Iorras Kian Gallagher made a great fingertip save from a free in the opening half. Eamon Carey slotted home the winning penalty.

Elsewhere, Claremorris and Kiltimagh/Knock United both fell to defeat at the hands of Galway clubs. Claremorris were beaten 4-2 by Shiven Rovers while Kiltimagh/Knock suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Maree/Oranmore.

There was only one all-Mayo encounter but it would be a straightforward affair for Ballyheane as they nine past Straide & Foxford United without reply at Green Road (see full match report above). Elsewhere, Claremorris and Kiltimagh/Knock United both fell to defeat at the hands of Galway clubs. Claremorris were beaten 4-2 by Shiven Rovers while Kiltimagh/Knock suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Maree/Oranmore.

Ballinrobe Town, Ballina Town, Ballyheane ‘B’ and Ballyvary Blue Bombers saw their ties postponed at the weekend and the rescheduled games are set for tomorrow (Sunday). Ballinrobe Town and Ballyvary are both at home against Castlerea Celtic and MCR respectively while Ballyheane ‘B’ and Ballina Town have away trips to Galway. Ballina Town take on Corrib Celtic while Ballyheane ‘B’ are against Athenry ‘B’. All games kick-off at 2pm.

The third round ties will be on the weekend of January 13/14.