In a tightly contested affair played under blustery conditions in Renmore, Merlin Woods claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Colemanstown United last Thursday. The match, marked by swirling winds and unpredictable gusts, proved to be a test of resilience and tactical discipline for both sides. The only goal of the game came midway through the first half when a long-range effort from a Merlin Woods’ free kick took a wicked deflection and nestled into the bottom corner. It was a cruel blow for Colemanstown, who had defended resolutely and created several promising chances of their own. Despite the loss, Colemanstown showed commendable grit, particularly in the first half when they had the wind against them. Our backline, marshalled by a composed centre-half pairing dealt well with Merlin Woods’ aerial threat. In midfiled and attack, Colemanstown kept creating opportunities from close range and from distance. The full squad was played with ample game time for all members. The second half saw Colemanstown push forward with more urgency, aided by the wind at their backs. However, Merlin Woods’ defense held firm, and their keeper made a crucial save in the dying minutes to preserve the clean sheet.
The fairer result would have been a draw However, given the challenging conditions and the narrow margin, there are positives to take from this match. While the result didn’t go our way, Colemanstown can take pride in their performance and the season as a whole. Battling through tough fixtures and unpredictable conditions, the team showed resilience and unity—qualities that ultimately ensured their survival in a competitive Division 1. As the final whistle blew in Renmore, there was a sense of relief and quiet celebration among the Colemanstown faithful. The hard work paid off, and the foundation is now set for a stronger campaign next season. Match report: Luca Lualdi
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Daniel Booth, Fionn Proulx, Paddy Gavin, Padraig Fallon, Niall Robinson, Sean Keating, Jamie Lally, Tom Holohan, Ryan Shaughnessy, Jamie Cunniffe, Joshua Lualdi, Gearoid Walsh, Mike Lally, Tadhg Hart, James Somers.