Super Sunday for Mervue Utd as club celebrates on double

As referee Danny Corbett blew the final whistle at Fahy’s Field on Sunday, the post-match civilities took place and the Mervue celebrations appeared rather muted. Gary O’Connor and Ger McGrath’s charges had secured a point in a 1-1 draw with NUI Galway, but they awaited the final score on the nearby Jesuits Pitch where challengers Athenry required a win to maintain their distant challenge.

It didn’t take long to ascertain that OLBC were running out comfortable 5-2 winners and within seconds the Mervue huddle gathered and sounds of “championes” filled the air.

It was only the start of the celebrations, for as Niall Crossby brought proceedings to a conclusion on the adjoining pitch, Mervue United B had defeated Bohemians 4-2 and in the process were confirmed as Second Division champions.

A giant ring of two teams danced a jig on the lower pitch, before the B team eventually made it to the dressing room area, where the Galway FA’s Donnie Farragher presented the League trophy to winning captain Barry Connolly.

The defeat of Bohemians could have a huge significance for the long serving city club. Needing a win to preserve their Second Division status, did everything within their ability to gain a reward, but it was of no avail and whether the club have the stomach for Third Division football remains to be seen.

MIDWEEK ACTIONThe long evenings allowed a full programme of Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division action in midweek and with Mervue United, Corrib Rangers and a distant Athenry chasing title honours, the action was frantic.

At the bottom, matters are even more complex, for while Salthill Devon are already relegated, a posse of clubs are doing their best to avoid going down with them. West United were in the second relegation position, while above them Hibernians, East United and NUI Galway were all looking over their shoulder, as everyone required points for salvation.

In a tough contest at Fahy’s Field, an opening-half Eric Browne goal was enough to give Mervue United a hard earned 1-0 win over neighbours East United. Over at Westside, an early Barry Moran goal gave second-placed Corrib Rangers the lead at home to Athenry, but a strong recovery by the visitors saw goals by Ray Moran and Cathal Fahy help them to a 2-1 win.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.