West exit Michael Byrne Cup

Mike Rafferty

The weekend action provided a mixed bag for West United as the clubs first team exited the Michael Byrne Cup which they won so impressively last season, and the defeat continued their struggle this campaign as they also lie in the lower regions of the Premier League.

In contrast West United B maintained their interest in gaining promotion from the Second Division, with an impressive away win over Corofin United.

The Michael Byrne Cup saw the main concentration of action on Sunday with the contest at South Park between West United and NUI Galway the most competitive and balanced. And so it turned out as the students eventually prevailed 5-4 on penalties after the game had finished level at 2-2 following extra time.

The contest was tied at 1-1 following the 90 minutes action as Simon Murray put the home side ahead, but Rory Laide levelled matters to send the time to added time. Again Murray put West ahead with a free-kick from outside the area, but in the closing minutes Mikey Creane came to the students rescue with the equaliser to tie up matters at 2-2.The penalty shootout saw NUIG ‘keeper Liam Grant save the opening effort from West’s Tom Burke and thereafter Doherty, O’Flaherty, Creane, Reilly and Laide were all spot on for the College side as they advanced by 5-4.

Mervue United were always in command at home to Bohemians as they turned a 4-1 interval advantage into a 5-1 success. Emlyn Coyne (2), Tommy Walsh, Eamonn Feeney and Derek McWalter were all on the mark for a commanding home side.

Elsewhere there were wins for Corrib Celtic, Salthill Devon and Colmanstown.

Aided by a penalty save by Denis Farragher, St Bernard’s qualified for the Joe Ryan Cup final following a 4-3 win over St Patrick’s, while East United, Tuam Celtic and OLBC all advanced in the Jack Lillis Cup.

For more, read page 26 of this week's Connacht Sentinel.