Hibs crash out of Connacht Junior Cup but Mervue United advance

Loughrea produced a terrific finale in Bohermore on Sunday as the Second Division side came from behind to shock Hibernians as they advanced to a last eight meeting with neighbours Ballinasloe Town in the Connacht Junior Cup.

Mervue United were the other local winners as Oughterard and NUI Galway exited at the last 16 stage.

Goalkeepers Daragh Geraghty and Aaron Connolly provided all the heroics as Corrib Rangers eventually saw off West United on penalties in the Michael Byrne Cup, while Knocknacarra custodian Leigh Ralph was equally athletic as his side also defeated St Patrick’s in a spot kick contest.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CUPDespite hitting a post in a wind-assisted opening half, Hibernians failed to build on that first-half dominance and when their turn came in the second half Loughrea were more clinical as they secured a shock 2-1 away win.

Tommy Donovan fired the home side ahead just after the restart, but the visitors levelled matters pretty quickly as Gavin Shaughnessy got at the end of a Gary Madden flick to shoot home. Leading scorer Darren Creaven secured the late winner as Loughrea pulled off the result of the round.

Mervue United generally dominated proceedings for the duration of their contest with Shiven Rovers in Newbridge on Friday night, but still just prevailed by a just a slender 1-0 margin.

The winner on 16 minutes came from the good work of Adam Lee, who broke in from the flank before firing in a shot that was blocked. However he continued to follow up as he blasted home from inside the box.

The visitors continue to create all the chances as Paul Sinnott was denied by a smashing save, while the midfielder also had another effort blocked. Brian Meaney had a few half-chances, as the visitors provided the majority of the attaching threat throughout.

Mervue United will host Iorras Aontaithe in the quarter-finals after the Belmullet-based side defeated Oughterard 4-0, and they will certainly prove to be difficult opponents for Gary O’Connor’s side.

Two down at the break away to Sligo side City United, NUI Galway threatened a comeback as Ger Cheevers pulled one back, while a terrific save denied the winger a second, but it was all in vain as the home side converted again in the final minutes for a 3-1 victory.

Goals in each half by Alan Duffy and Mike Graney gave Ballinasloe Town a 2-0 win over Colmanstown, while the holders Westport United were comfortable 4-0 winners over Strand Celtic.

The quarter-final draw sees Mervue host Iorras Aontaithe; Corrib Rangers will be at home to the winners of the outstanding West United/Castlebar Celtic game; Loughrea host Ballinasloe Town; and Westport will host City United.

In the Connacht Shield, Cregmore are the Galway League’s lone remaining representatives following a 4-3 shoot out win over Mulranny United. The sides were level at 2-2 following extra time, with Harry Connolly and Davie Tarpey on the mark for the home side.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.