Mervue Utd regain poise to claim Premier Division title

It was the longest football climax in history as Mervue United almost let a 14-point lead slide away at the top of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division before it all ended well at Fahy’s Field on Sunday as a home win over Oranmore eventually clinched the title.

As captain Robert Connolly collected the Brod Trill Cup from Elizabeth Hynes, it brought a conclusion to a spell in which Mervue just dithered from one disaster to another and it took a second half Colie Kelly goal to ensure a happy ending for the home side.

As manager Paugie Kilgannon accepted the congratulations of well wishers afterwards he cast his mind back to the recent difficulties saying “we should have won it weeks ago-but a few losses and form disappeared. However after that goal today the heads lifted and thankfully we saw it through to the finish”.

With second-placed Hibernians having closed the gap to just a point, the win was vital as the Bohermore side were in command from the moment Namanja Spasojevic gave them a third minute lead away to Corrib Rangers.

They eventually ran out 4-1 winners, but it was all in vein as Kelly’s goal put an end to their title ambitions.

While Mervue were naturally elated at their victory and ultimate success, the body language of the Oranmore players told a different story.

A combination of their defeat and the success of Salthill Devon in picking up points away to East United meant that their tenure in the top flight was over as they were relegated alongside Corrib Celtic.

Mervue United 1Oranmore 0

For the second season in succession, Mervue United emerged triumphant in the final league game of the season.Last year a 1-1 draw with Athenry was enough for them to win a first title in six seasons, while on this occasion a draw was of little use to them as a win was necessary in order for them to retain their title.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.