Colemanstown United were crowned Michael Geary Division 1 champions in style yesterday evening, securing a deserved 3-0 victory over Galway Bohemians on home soil and capping off what has been a truly outstanding season.
Having fallen short in the recent Jack Lillis Cup semi-final, there was a clear sense of determination about the team from the outset. The opening stages were evenly contested, but Colemanstown soon began to assert themselves, creating a number of chances through Kevin Barrett, Tomás Carr and Shane Quirke. The Galway Bohs keeper , however, proved difficult to beat early on, pulling off a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the contest. At the other end, Bohs posed a threat on the break with a direct approach, but Colemanstown’s experienced defensive pairing of Richard Lally and Sean Hardiman stood firm, dealing confidently with anything that came their way.
The game’s first major turning point came on the half-hour mark when Colemanstown were awarded a penalty after Tomás Carr was brought down. Kevin Barrett stepped up, but his effort was well saved, briefly raising fears it might not be their night despite their dominance. Those concerns were short-lived. With ten minutes remaining in the first half, a slick passage of play involving Luke Williams and Ray Moran released Shane Duffy charging forward from right-back. Showing great composure and attacking intent, Duffy beat his marker and unleashed a powerful strike that found the net at the near post, giving Colemanstown a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
The hosts made two changes at halftime, introducing David Walsh and Kyle Madden, and they began the second half with renewed energy. Their attacking play, particularly down the left flank, caused continuous problems for the visitors. The second goal arrived on the hour mark following excellent link-up play between David Walsh and Shane Quirke. Walsh delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post where Tomás Carr finished confidently to double the advantage.
Colemanstown continued to press, with Quirke rattling the crossbar and Carr narrowly missing another opportunity as they looked to put the game beyond doubt. The third goal duly arrived from a set-piece, as Walsh’s corner was met by Sean Hardiman at the back post, the defender rising highest to head home and seal the victory. With news filtering through that nearest challengers had taken a lead elsewhere, Colemanstown remained composed and managed the final stages comfortably. Further substitutions saw Kerrill Hardiman, Jack Dillon and Thomas Mellody introduced as the hosts saw out the game with confidence.
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as players, management and supporters celebrated a league triumph built on consistency and hard work. Winning 16 of their 18 games and losing just once, the title success is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of the squad since pre-season.
A large crowd was in attendance to witness the occasion, with Michael Geary himself present to assist in the presentation of the trophy. It was especially great to see Michael in attendance; a West Utd man to the core but a lovely fitting presence given his strong family connections in the form of his daughter Ann Forde & Barry involved in our club, with grandchildren now also playing with Colemanstown. The club also acknowledges the presence of Rob Horsnell, Terry Lee and Galway FA Secretary Ger Treacy for their role in the ceremony, as captain Shane Duffy proudly lifted the cup.
Credit goes to the management team of Jason Finn, Gary Broderick and Kerrill Lally, who have guided the squad superbly throughout the campaign and ensured an immediate return to the championship bouncing back in impressive fashion after being demoted last season.
The club also extends thanks to Joe Burke and Helen Kirby for capturing the memorable moments, and to Bernie Burke, Burkes Bar, Colemanstown for her hospitality following the celebrations, which continued long into the night. Match Report: Jason Finn, Kerrill Lally, Gary Broderick
Finally, the club wishes to remind members that the First Team End-of-Season Awards Night will take place on Friday, May 8th at 7pm in Burke’s. All are welcome to come along & celebrate what has been a truly emphatic & another memorable year for the club.