FAI Connaught Junior Cup Champions 2006/07

Athenry complete historic treble at Terryland Park
Sunday, 20 May 2007
Athenry FC 4
Carbury FC 1

Decades from now Athenry will reminisce about this delicious fortnight when three prestigious trophies were accumulated playing a sharp and stylish brand of football. On Saturday evening on the lush Terryland Park surface Athenry added the Connacht Junior Cup to their burgeoning collection.

Seeking an historic treble Athenry were under pressure. The past month has been glorious spell for the progressive Galway club, but this provincial showpiece was always likely to provide a significant examination.
Having confidently swept aside Mervue United’s challenge in the Michael Byrne final six days previously Athenry entered the confidence eager to assert themselves. Timmy Holian’s charges high octane approach burned Salthill Devon in the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier League title decider too so the Galwegians were intent on seizing the initiative.

Any outfit that possess the bulky frame of Emmet Byrne has a solid defender capable under an aerial bombardment. Ronan Kineen is a willing accomplice, while Stephen Rabbitte’s enthusiasm on the right has been a salient feature in Athenry’s silverware laden campaign. Athenry’s sizzling conclusion to the domestic season was laden with early goals. Critical successes were garnered when they were required.

But it was the gritty Sligo visitors, who were bright and purposeful in the first quarter. Despite Carbury’s determination Byrne was commanding at the back, but the Sligo outfit pinched an 18th minute opener. Shane Hayes threaded a clever pass into Darren Dunbar’s path and the frontrunner poked home from just inside the area.

Still the advantage was extremely shortlived as Athenry summoned a response 180 seconds later. Jamie O’Driscoll was fouled and Alan O’Donovan rifled a glorious free into the roof of Carbury’s net.
A bizarre twist occurred then when Irish junior international Johnny Mernagh was strangely withdrawn. Replacement Ollie Keogh demonstrated trademark deft touches and a mazy dribble nearly culminated in a goal before the interval, but the attacker’s effort flashed across goal.

Keogh was enjoying a productive outing and Athenry seized the initiative when the former Galway United player located Paddy Quinn. In a densely populated goalmouth Quinn climbed highest to steer Athenry ahead.
After the break Athenry continued to dictate affairs and Jonathan Keane’s slide rule pass was gathered by Cathal Fahy. The advancing Carbury custodian Nigel Hargadon clipped Fahy’s heels. Rabbitte rattled the net with an accomplished penalty.

Further opportunities were fashioned before Athenry’s fourth arrived when Keogh’s shot spun wickedly off the dynamic O’Driscoll and the treble celebrations commenced. It has been a cinematic climax for Athenry.

Athenry: Kilkelly; Rabbitte, Kineen, Byrne, M Quinn; O’Donovan, Keane, O’Driscoll, P Quinn (Crimmins, 81); Fahy (Brian Costello, 86), Mernagh (Keogh, 21).

Carbury: Hargadon; O’Hara, Quinn, Carr (Davey, 42), O?Boyle (Masteron, 73); M Bevins, Lynch, Hayes, McCormack; Walsh (Rooney, 59), Dunbar.

Referee: L McEntee (Mayo).

Ref : Galwayfirst.ie

BY CIAN O’CONNELL
sport@galwayfirst.ie