Mayo Soccer Highlights
4 June 1997
Celtic and United in 'derby' cup showdown
by Tom Kelly
Castlebar Celtic and Castlebar United, two clubs considering amalgamating two months ago, have been drawn against each other in the quarter-finals of the Mayo F.A. Cup on July 3rd.
That's one of the interesting pairing to emerge following the eight third round ties in the series at the weekend.
Celtic had to work hard before putting paid to the challenge of Parkside Celtic in a seven goal battle.
Parkside, the most improved team in Mayo football, threatened to cause a major shock with goals by Jason Muldoon (2) and Peter Devers. But Castlebar Celtic snatched a deserved victory with goals by Sean Reilly, Kevin Ryan, Kevin Grimes and Fintan McHale.
Castlebar United bounced back following their league defeat at the hands of Ballyheane a week earlier. They overcame Manulla 2-1, their goals coming from Ollie Roach and Rory McEllin. Dermot McNicholas was the Manulla marksman.
Crossmolina, defeated finalists in the 1996 competition, have a home quarter-final draw against Ballyheane. They earned it with a 3-0 win over Castlebar Celtic B at Celtic Park on Sunday. On target for the North Mayo side were Aiden Loftus, Michael Moyles and John Duggan.
Ballyheane had an easy passage of their own. They hammered Hollister with goals by Shane Coogan, Kieran Heneghan, Anthony Skeffington, Theron Coghill and Brian Donnelly without reply.
Ballyglass, the defending champions, must travel to face Charlestown Athletic in their quarter-final showdown. They brought the challenge of Claremorris to its knees on Monday on a score of 5-2. Kevin Connelly registered his third hat-trick of the season, while John Noonan was on the mark twice for Ballyglass. Claremorris replied through Jeremy Dee and Alan Prendergast. Dee also missed a penalty for Claremorris, while Justin Keady suffered the same fate for Ballyglass.
Charlestown Athletic, displaying consistent form this season, romped to victory over Ballina Rovers B by 5-0. The Charlestown goalscorers were Kieran O'Connell, Colm Horkin, Mark Taylor, E. Casey and M. Caffrey.
In the other quarter-final match, Ballina Rovers will entertain Westport United.
Unpredictable Westport caused a bit of an upset by defeating Achill Rovers 2-1 at the Sports Park. John McKenna got both of the Westport goals, while Mark Corrigan mustered Achill's only reply.
Ballina Rovers was forced into extra-time before dismissing Snugboro at Castlebar. Junior Humber and Clive Helly were the Rovers goal poachers, with Gerry McDonnell, from the penalty spot, and R. Kennelly responding for Snugboro. Rovers would have been out had McDonnell converted a second penalty. Instead, they snatched victory in extra-time through John Moyles.
MAYO LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW
Determined start by defending champions
Ballyglass are already showing signs of a side determined to hold onto their Mayo League Premier Division title. They started the campaign in perfect style with four wins on the trot, scoring eleven goals and conceding just three.
But they are not the top scorers in the division. That distinction is held by Urlaur United with 12 goals to their credit, although they have conceded four more than Ballyglass.
Surprise packets to date in the series are Claremorris, lying in fourth place. Erris United's position at the bottom of the table, with just two points from four games, is interesting, to say the least.
Castlebar Celtic, the top scorers in the Mayo League with 15 goals, are taking early command of Division One with four wins on the trot to lead the division with three points to spare over second placed Glenhest Rovers. The two teams meet next Sunday at Glenhest.
Killala have also started very well and are unbeaten after four rounds.
Ballina United, at the bottom of Division One, have the worst defensive record to date. They conceded 18 goals in four matches, an average of more than four per match.
Parkside Celtic, a side which struggled to win a match last season, are surprise leaders of Division Two North with two wins and two draws in their opening matches.
Bangor Hibs, under new manager Robin Turner, are showing good early season form.
In the South, Ballyhaunis and Knock United are tied at the top with nine points each from four games.
Ballyglass B are Ballyheane B share the leadership of Division Three with ten points apiece. Manulla B are just three points behind in third place. Roll up for Coca Cola Clinic
FAI Coca Cola Summer Soccer
Enrolment to the 1997 FAI Coca Cola Summer Soccer Clinic in Castlebar from July 14th to 18th next is brisk. Places are still available and should be booked as early as possible.
Entry forms are available from the Connaught Telegraph front offices, Cavendish Lane, Castlebar.
The fee (£30) covers the five days. Each participant will receive a free Umbro tee-shirt, a chance to win a range of awards and prizes, a free Coca Cola School pen pack and free Coca Cola soft drinks product.
The coaching sessions will run from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each day.
Manulla Soccer Lotto
The winners in the Manulla Lotto over the past two weeks were as follows.
May 24th: Jackpot not win. £10 winners were R. McDonnell, Roslahan; Ita Dooney, Humbert Mall, Castlebar; Brian Hope, c\o Baxter; Katie McDonnell, Manulla; and Gerard Fahey, 14, Castlehill Park, Castlebar.
May 31st: Jackpot not won. The £10 winners were Kevin McGing, c/o Telecom Eireann; Jude Folan, Belcarra; Bridget Walsh, Lisnolan; Breda Cleary, Tuam; and Maureen Chambers, c/o Volex.
This weekend's jackpot is worth £1,300 and the draw takes place in the Railway Tavern.
Mayo play Home Farm
The Mayo Under-16 team play Home Farm in a challenge match at Milebush on Saturday, June 28th, at 2.00p.m. Mayo Under-10 Blitz
The Mayo Youths & Schoolboys League have organised an Under-10 Blitz tho take place in Milebush on Saturday, July 5th. The competition will be played with small sized goalposts on specially prepared pitches.
