Gannon does it again for Renmore

Renmore 1 Corrib Celtic 0

ERIC Gannon proved to be the match winning hero for the second year in succession as his goal secured the Connacht Shield for the Renmore Under 16 team in Willow Park, Athlone against a competitive Corrib Celtic side.

There was a strong wind which Corrib Celtic had the advantage of in the first-half and they applied a lot of pressure on the Renmore defence.

They did come close to scoring on a couple of occasions but some excellent goalkeeping by Dave Heffernan and some resolute defending by Aaron Doyle, Daniel Lenihan, Brendan Brennan and Fionnan Gallagher kept them scoreless.

The decisive breakthrough came just before the stroke of half time when Cathal O’Regan was fouled in the middle of the park and the referee awarded a free to Renmore.

The ball was delivered long into the danger area by Regan where Daniel Lenihan rose highest to head the ball back across goal to the waiting Eric Gannon, who controlled the ball with one touch and calmly slotted the ball home in a crowded goalmouth.

In the second half, Renmore with the aid of the elements, applied a lot of pressure on the Corrib Celtic defence, going close to doubling their lead on several occasions.

Towards the end of the game, Corrib Celtic began to throw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser which resulted in them rattling the crossbar with only minutes left on the clock. This was the closest, they came to scoring and shortly afterwards the referee brought the game to a close.

John Cleary from the Connacht FA presented the cup to the winning captain Cathal O’Regan who thanked the team managers and coaches, Terry O’Regan, Martin Boyce, Tom Doyle and Cecil Lenihan.

Best for Renmore were Daniel Lenihan and Brendan Brennan in defence, Cathal O’Regan and Mike Morris in midfield, Evan Boyce and Eric Gannon up front.