Boys U13B Div 2: Loughrea B 0 – 3 Colemamstown. Colemanstown United U13 Boys travelled to Loughrea knowing they faced a tough challenge: an early 10 AM kick-off paired with the disadvantage of having only 11 players and no substitutes available for the contest. The match began with a poignant moment as the referee gathered both teams in the centre circle for a minute’s silence in memory of James Hastings from Kinvara.
Colemanstown started in a 4-4-1-1 setup, looking to use their defensive stability while feeling out the opposition. Avey Mahon started in goal behind a back line of Igor Ziolek, Senan Prolux, Conor Finnerty, and Eugene Kelly. Iarla Thompson, Oisin Kelly, Patrick Collins and George Moore formed the midfield, with Andrew Davoren supporting Captain James Vignoles up front. The opening 20 minutes were cagey and highly competitive, with neither side creating clear-cut chances as both defenses held firm. The physicality ramped up drastically around the 23-minute mark when Patrick Collins took an accidental knock to the face, followed two minutes later by a painful stamp on the foot—a testament to the fierce nature of the midfield contest. Colemanstown manufactured their best chance of the half in the 27th minute when a quick throw-in led to Andrew Davoren whipping in a cross, resulting in a corner. James Vignoles delivered a superb corner kick that Conor Finnerty met with a strong header, narrowly missing the target. The half ended 0-0, with the boys knowing they needed a spark to break the deadlock.
Faced with tired legs and no options on the bench, we switched to a more attacking 4-5-1 formation to utilize our width. Senan Prolux shifted to left back, Eugene Kelly moved to centre back, James Vignoles dropped to left midfield, Iarla Thompson moved centrally, and Andrew Davoren took the lone striker role. The change immediately saw Colemanstown grow into the game, as we started to create chances. Andrew Davoren had a shot over the bar from a corner, but Loughrea responded, forcing Avey Mahon into a fantastic save on 14 minutes. Conor Finnerty and Eugene Kelly were dealing with any through balls Loughrea was attempting, while Iarla Thompson and Patrick Collins were breaking play up in the middle of the park. The crucial opening goal arrived in the 15th minute and was a demonstration of quick passing. A great throw by Senan Prolux found James Vignoles, who worked it through to Andrew Davoren. Andrew quickly played it out wide to George Moore, who took a touch before unleashing a powerful low shot to the keeper’s right, finding the back of the net! (0-1 Colemanstown) Loughrea pressed hard for a response, leading to a corner that was not cleared cleanly by the visitors, resulting in a shot that forced another crucial, sharp save from Avey Mahon. Colemanstown landed the decisive blow in the 22nd minute. Oisin Kelly embarked on a sensational run, weaving past multiple Loughrea players from the edge of his own box before taking a powerful shot that the keeper saved onto the crossbar for a corner. From the resulting corner, taken very well by James Vignoles, Oisin Kelly’s follow-up shot rebounded perfectly to Conor Finnerty, who buried a fantastic goal to double the lead! (0-2 Colemanstown). Despite their growing fatigue, the boys refused to buckle. At the 25-minute mark, Igor Ziolek put in a crucial, crunching tackle on the edge of the box to concede a corner rather than a free kick. The resulting corner dropped to a Loughrea player whose shot was miraculously saved by Avey Mahon’s right boot—a truly world-class stop that cemented the clean sheet. As the final whistle approached, the lads found one last burst of energy. Following a well-worked move from the back, Oisin Kelly broke through the defence, played a great one-two with Andrew Davoren, and slotted home the team’s third goal. (0-3 Colemanstown)
Full Time: Loughrea B 0 – 3 Colemanstown United B The 3-0 win is a testament to the courage, commitment, and extraordinary effort of every player who took the field. To play a full match with such high intensity, score 3 goals and secure a clean sheet without any substitutes is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment. Goal Scorers: George Moore, Conor Finnerty, Oisin Kelly. Match Report: Dermot Moore
Squad: Avey Mahon, Igor Ziolek, Senan Prolux, Conor Finnerty, Eugene Kelly, Iarla Thompson, Oisin Kelly, Patrick Collins, George Moore, Andrew Davoren, James Vignoles. Unavailable : Jamie Lally, Dara Ryan, Niall Kane, Cathal Burns, Oisin Duane, James Flaherty & Shane Broderick
U13A Boys: SFAI Trophy: Kinvara vs Colemanstown. Our U13A boys faced a stern test on Saturday morning as they travelled to Kinvara for their SFAI Trophy clash against a strong Premier League side. From the outset, Kinvara showed their quality & put our defence under sustained pressure. While we just couldn’t find a breakthrough against a well organised Kinvara outfit, the boys can take plenty of positives from their efforts. It was a valuable learning experience for the group & a chance to test themselves against top tier opposition & continue their development as a team.
U13 Girls: Champ: Salthill 7-0 Colemanstown. Our U13 girls were on the road yesterday morning for their latest championship outing as they travelled to Salthill with just 12 players available. From the outset, Salthill showed their superior strength & determination as they battled hard for every ball & quickly asserted control of the game. Despite the pressure, Chloe Burke stood out for Colemanstown with an excellent display of commitment as she won possession on numerous occasions & worked tirelessly throughout. By half-time Salthill had built a commanding 4–0 lead & though our girls never gave up, the hosts continued to press in the 2nd half & added a further 4 goals to secure a 8-0 win.
It was a tough morning for our side who continue to give their all each week despite facing teams at a higher standard. This latest result marks our 5th defeat of the season & is a clear indication that this hard-working group have once again been graded in the wrong league. Match Report: Ann Forde
Boys U17 Div 1: Colemanstown United 4–1 St. Bernards. Colemanstown United emerged victorious in a spirited local derby against St. Bernard’s, but the 4–1 scoreline belies the intensity and competitiveness of the match. The home side struck first, with Harry Tierney finding the net early in the first half. Ryan Shaughnessy soon doubled the lead, giving Colemanstown a strong foothold. St. Bernard’s, however, refused to roll over, pulling one back before the break and threatening an equalizer on multiple occasions. They were denied by the woodwork three times, a cruel twist of fate that kept the visitors from turning the tide.
In the second half, Tadhg Hart added a third for Colemanstown, and Jamie Lally made it four after a superb build up from defence and great cross from Noah McDonnell seemingly putting the result beyond doubt. Yet St. Bernard’s continued to press, earning a penalty late in the game — only to see it missed, compounding their frustration on a day when luck simply wasn’t on their side. Despite the final score, this was far from a comfortable win for Colemanstown. St. Bernard’s showed grit, created chances, and were unlucky not to be closer on the scoreboard. The derby delivered drama, passion, and a reminder that football is often decided by moments and inches. Match report: Luca Lualdi
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Daniel Booth, Fionn Proulx, Oisin Gavin, Mike Lally, Morgan Keogh, Martin Mellody, Paddy Gavin, Ryan Shaughnessy, Harry Tierney, Tom Holahan, Joshua Lualdi, Tadhg Hart, Stephen Murphy, Gearoid Walsh, James Somers, Fabian Carroll, Noah McDonnell, Sean Keating, Jamie Lally.
Meanwhile, our A Team had made their way through Galway City on route to Oughterard when the message came through that the game was called off due to an unplayable pitch. It was a disappointing outcome for the lads after preparing & travelling for the fixture.