Albeit, Colemanstown were missing a few regulars, their ‘A’ team bowed out of the FAI Cup but not without a dogged fight against Premier side Galway Hibs. It was a splendid all round display but none better than that of Ray Moran who simply played his heart out in midfield playing a pivotal role in tackling, winning possession, accurate cross field passing and tireless running at the defence as well as tracking back on numerous occasions to help out his own rearguard. His year’s sabbatical with Athenry FC last season helped mould his natural talent and he is now transformed into an intelligent central midfielder with loads of pace, shows clever retention of the ball and has an innate ability to create goalscoring opportunities as well as chatting up old ladies at the bank when off the field! Indeed, it was fitting that Moran scored the first goal 20mins into the game when he won the ball well in midfield and after a few strides his rasping but dipping shot from 35 yards was as good a goal you would see anywhere. Colemanstown dominated the entire first half and scored their second on 35mins following a great move in midfield when Ray again won the ball and his inch perfect pass to Stephen Walsh who controlled the ball well, subsequently passing to Conor Feeney, who with two splendid touches slotted inside the keeper to score in his first start this year. Colemanstown were well worthy of their 2-nil half time lead. In the 2nd half, Hibs fought back well and scored mid way through the half when a great header beat Alan ‘Junior’ Finn in goals. Unfortunately for Colemanstown 5mins later Junior went off injured when he bravely spread himself well in a brilliant save and sustained a nasty leg injury in the process. It was a daunting prospect for ‘B’ team player Joe Finnerty who replaced him, having not played in goals since his childhood days. Hibs scored direct from a corner shortly afterwards to bring the game to extra time. Eventually Hibs scored in extra time in a rare defensive slip up and scored again in the last kick of the game to win 4-2. Kenny Duane in midfield proved that he cannot be underestimated while Ollie Crowe is doing a Ryan Giggs or Tony Browne at the ripe old age of ….. and playing his best soccer yet. Well done lads on a great display. We also wish to congratulate Pearses ladies, Niamh & Orla Kilkenny who won well earned All Ireland senior camogie medals last Sunday. Niamh has helped us out with the presentation of medals to participants in the 1k fun run for our annual run since its inception. Best wishes also to Pearses hurlers who play Loughrea this Sunday in the County Senior Quarter final in Athenry at 12noon.