U13’s crowned league winners

It’s a bit like City & Man Utd.; this was a game of the ‘top 2’ with the winner on the day taking all the glory but with West Coast still having a game to play. Joe Finnerty’s side turned in an exciting performance and probably their best ever half hour of the season in the 2nd half to come from 1-nil down at half time to win 2-1. West Coast took advantage of some lax defending on 7 mins when they were gifted a goal after the keeper fumbled and our defence failed to clear. Colemanstown endured the nervy start however and took control of their fate certainly to full potential in the 2nd half when they were assisted by a strong breeze and some credible team football. Our best chances in the 1st half fell to the ‘never tiring’ Conor O’Neill & the ‘clever’ James Barclay; the latter mis-kicked his volley in front of goal after Michael Glynn made a surging run on the right wing. Stephen Kelly in goals more than made up for his earlier fumble with a string of super & heartening saves. Conor O’Neill & Paddy Monaghan had a strong stranglehold on midfield with Monaghan in excellent form making some neat & timely challenges & tackles all through the game. Whatever Joe Finnerty & assistant Gary Broderick had to say at half time, Colemanstown had added purpose when they re-emerged for the 2nd half. Straight from the kick-off they took the game to the visitors with Mossy Carr’s effort coming close soon after his introduction. West Coast always looked lively on the break but our central rearguard, the 2 Jack’s; Kennedy & Hughes were simply outstanding assisted by Oran Loughrey & Darren Brennan who rarely put a foot wrong. Shane Lally & Michael Glynn made some penetrating runs on the wings ably feeding the ball to our 2 up front, Josh Lane & 11 year old James Barclay who both put in a performance that demonstrated their desire to win this league title. Colemanstown’s 2 goals came with 15 mins to go, the first a piledriver from outside the box from the industrious Josh Lane. The team management made some astute changes in search of the winner, 3 at the back & 3 up front & it duly paid off. The ensuing pressure resulted in a corner which Conor O’Neill swung in from the left and he lofted the ball audaciously over the stranded keeper to a mighty cheer from the jubilant home crowd. Our defence stood firm thereafter to help graft out a hard earned win for these youngsters who have now won themselves the right to play in a division higher next season. It is sad to say though, there was no official from the Galway FA present to view such an exhibition of underage football nor present the Cup to captain Jack Kennedy but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of these youngsters. Well done to Gerry Moran for his intervention. Panel: Stephen Kelly; Oran Loughrey; Jack Hughes; Jack Kennedy; Darren Brennan; Shane Lally; Conor O’Neill; Paddy Monaghan; Michael Glynn; Josh Lane; James Barclay; Mossy Carr; James Moran; Ali Layton; Liam Murray. Thanks also to the management team of Joe Finnerty & Gary Broderick for their trojan efforts all season; the victory was as sweet for them as it was for the players. Photos of the game to follow in the next few days.