Connacht Junior Cup and Shield takes centre stage

Only time will tell if the extended Christmas and Covid-19 break will hamper teams’ preparations for a return to action in this weekend's Connacht Junior Cup fourth round. Salthill Devon won the competition for the first time in their history when recording a 2-1 success over Westport United in the last season’s final played at Milebush, and they return to Mayo once more on Sunday to take on Straide & Foxford United.

The home team were crowned as the second tier Mayo Premier League champions last season and they went through their campaign undefeated. However, Devon are playing at a far higher standard than that level, and aided by the firepower of Rory Brennan, Timmy Molloy and Mikie Fox, they should have the ability to advance to the last 16 of the competition.

Corrib Rangers have not enjoyed the best of campaigns in the Premier Division, and on Sunday they travel to face a Westport United side that are not a patch on some the previous quality sides that represented the club.

In fact, they played second fiddle to Renmore in the previous round and after scoring a late equaliser won on penalties, but Rangers will have to try and improve on their dreadful defensive record of conceding an average of almost three goals per game if they want to advance.

There will be an all-Premier Division clash in Bohermore at 2pm, where Hibernians – who last won the trophy 20 seasons ago - welcome Colemanstown United. The sides last met in league action in October, when aided a Shane Hulgraine hat-trick helped the city side to a 4-2 win.

Mervue United have two sides in action in the 4th round, starting tonight when their B team – who play in Division 1 - take on Division 2 side Moyne Villa in Headford (7.45pm).

The club’s A will host Division 3 leaders Cregmore/Claregalway in Fahy’s Field tomorrow at 4pm, and despite the loss of leading scorer Enda Curran who has returned to League of Ireland action with Treaty United, it is a contest from which Noel McDonnell’s charges should advance with a bit to spare.

Maree/Oranmore should have the quality to see off Sligo visitors St John’s in Maree, as they are have recovered from a slow start to the Premier Division where they picked up just one point from their opening three games to now sit comfortably mid-table, and with games in hand over all bar one of the five sides above them.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.

Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite  HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.