U18 Boys: Div1: Oranmore Maree B 5-2 Colemanstown. Colemanstown U18s travelled to Maree on Sunday afternoon for a Division 1 league clash, and despite the final scoreline, this was a game that left both players and coaches feeling a real sense of frustration. On the day, Colemanstown were by far the better footballing side. Dominating possession with close to 80% of the ball, they played some outstanding football and created numerous chances, but simply could not find the finish their performance deserved. In contrast, Maree/Oranmore were clinical, capitalising on almost every opportunity that came their way on the counter-attack.
Before kick-off, management acknowledged the commitment of the squad, with many players balancing soccer alongside GAA commitments. The lads continue to show great loyalty to the Colemanstown jersey, and their development, both as players and as teammates, is something to be very proud of.
Colemanstown suffered an early setback, conceding inside the opening minute. A lapse in concentration at the back allowed the Maree left winger to slip in behind and square the ball across the goal for a simple finish. Despite this, Colemanstown responded superbly and dominated the opening 15 minutes. Captain Ryan Gavin was outstanding, causing constant problems down the right. On 12 minutes, he beat his marker and delivered a dangerous cross to Jamie Lally, whose shot was saved, with Darren Moran unlucky on the rebound as his effort hit the side netting.
With Oisín Devine and Matthew Keane pulling the strings in midfield, and both full-backs Cathal Keane and Tyler Collins pushing forward, Colemanstown created wave after wave of attacks. Gavin also came close himself, rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike. However, against the run of play, Maree doubled their lead on 15 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. Just five minutes later, another quick counter-attack split the Colemanstown defence, and the striker finished well to make it 3–0. To their credit, Colemanstown kept pushing and were rewarded just before halftime. Once again, Gavin was at the heart of it, delivering a cross that led to a save from Darren Moran’s effort, but Shane Dempsey reacted quickest to the rebound to fire home and make it 3–1 at the break.
The second half started in a similar fashion, with Maree/Oranmore scoring early again — this time from a corner, with a free header making it 4–1 after 47 minutes. Although heads could have dropped, the lads continued to battle. Nathan Mannion showed real leadership at the back with some strong, committed tackling, while Conor Walsh was excellent alongside him, consistently breaking up attacks and starting moves from defence.
Goalkeeper Tommy Nutley also produced a number of top-class saves to keep Colemanstown in the contest. Changes were made as the game progressed, with Joshua McDonnell replacing Dempsey on 55 minutes and showing great composure on the ball. Dylan King came on for Moran, who had already put in a huge effort after playing a hurling match earlier in the day, while the trusty Niall Grady replaced Lally on 75 minutes.
Colemanstown were rewarded for their persistence late on. In the final minute, Devine went on one of his trademark runs down the left and delivered a perfect cross for Cathal Keane, who finished first time off the post and into the net. The game finished 5–2, a scoreline that didn’t reflect Colemanstown’s dominance in possession or overall play.
It was a frustrating result, but plenty of positives in terms of performance, attitude, and quality of football. Colemanstown remain second in the table, three points behind Cregmore/Claregalway, who also have a game in hand. With three games remaining, there is still everything to play for.
Player of the Match – Ryan Gavin – a captain’s performance. Outstanding in the first half, constantly driving the team forward, and never let his levels drop. His work rate, leadership, and determination set the standard for the team throughout. Match report: Kara Mullins.
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Tyler Collins, Conor Walsh, Nathan Mannion, Cathal Keane, Shane Dempsey, Ryan Gavin, Matthew Keane, Oisin Divine, Darren Moran, Jamie Lally, Dylan King, Niall Grady, Josh Buckley, Paddy Gavin. Management: Orla McCaffrey, Kara Mullins & Damien Mannion.
U17 Boys: Div1: St. Bernards 2 – 6 Colemanstown. Colemanstown United delivered an excellent all‑round performance away on Saturday to secure a deserved 6–2 away win over St. Bernards in difficult, blustery conditions. Strong winds made football challenging throughout, but United adapted superbly, keeping the ball moving and showing real resilience, work rate, and discipline across the pitch. From the opening exchanges, Colemanstown took control, pressing high and creating chances despite the conditions. Martin Mellody led the line with authority and was the main goal threat, scoring a superb hat‑trick with a combination of sharp finishing and intelligent movement. He was well supported by teammates, with goals also coming from Niall Robbinson, Fabian Carroll and Paddy Gavin, capping off an impressive attacking display.
At the back, Tommy Nutley was solid and assured in goal, dealing confidently with the wind and the home side’s attacks. The back four of Niall Robbinson, Oisin Gavin, Morgan Keogh, and Fionn Proulx worked tirelessly, staying compact and organised throughout.
In midfield, Jamie Lally, Paddy Gavin, and Tom Holohan controlled the tempo, winning key battles and linking play effectively. Out wide, Sean Keating and Noah McDonnell provided energy, width, and strong defensive support when required. All substitutes were introduced and played an important role in maintaining momentum and intensity. Mike Lally, Stephen Murphy, Gearoid Walsh, and Ryan Shaughnessy each made positive contributions, reinforcing the squad effort and ensuring a strong finish to the game. Overall, this was a comprehensive and well‑earned victory for Colemanstown United, built on teamwork, commitment, and quality throughout the entire matchday squad in very testing conditions. Match Report: Luca Lualdi
Girls U14 Div1: Colemanstown 3-0 Craughwell. Our U14 Girls delivered a superb all round performance on Sunday morning as they produced a confident & composed display to secure a deserved 3–0 win at home. From the start, the girls showed great intensity, moved the ball with purpose & worked tirelessly. The breakthrough came through Sorcha Nic an Iomaire who finished clinically to give Colemanstown the advantage & settle the side into their rhythm. Building on that momentum Ava Forde & Julie Holohan added to the lead with well-taken efforts to reward the team’s continued attacking pressure & dominance across the pitch.
Despite Craughwell’s efforts to get back into the game, Colemanstown’s defence stood firm as they showed excellent organisation & determination to keep a clean sheet. A 3-0 home win was enough to ensure all three points stayed at home. This win sees the girls in an impressive 2nd place in the table, sitting behind league leaders Kiltulla who remain unbeaten so far in the league. There is still plenty to play for & with continued performances like this & perhaps a few favourable results elsewhere; the possibility of finishing joint top of the table remains mathematically alive. Match Report: Martina Donnellan