Back in the early autumn, when the weather was mild and South Park was playable, Tommy Lally was preparing West United for a demanding season, and that is exactly what is transpiring.
All the early victories when significant scores were being racked up aren't occurring with as much frequency now. The interesting reality that anything can happen in the junior game is the case.
On a nippy November afternoon in Oranmore, with the locals both passionate and purposeful, West found out that they are now viewed as a scalp. It is the price of progress, and there is no denying that advances have been made, but Athenry and Hibernians are on the silverware trail again too.
And as Hibernians edged into pole position last Saturday week it was apparent that the Bohermore outfit will relish the next couple of months. True, West have nudged Hibs from the FAI Junior Cup while also enjoying a top flight success over their town rivals, but the next few pre-Christmas weeks will be revealing.
With knockout Cup games arriving thick and fast West have been caught in the last two League campaigns around this juncture. Athenry have stitched a string of enterprising results together and, with their squad beefing up by the week, Timmy Holian's charges' three in a row challenge is still being embraced.
Just as if to emphasise Athenry’s ambition the FAI Junior Cup remains a competition that stirs Holian’s squad. Waterford Crystal had too much nous for Athenry in the 2006 decider, but they intend on making progress in that tournament again. Having already entered the national open draw stage the plotting continues.
Plans are also being hatched up in Bohermore. The departure of Kevin Cassidy as manager came as a surprise, ensuring the next couple of weeks will be monitored attentively. Hibs, though, have always shown a remarkable penchant for delivering under duress, and they are a byword for consistency.
Trace through the Divison and capable outfits are sprinkled all over the place. Who fancies facing Dynamo Blues? Corrib Rangers remain one of the town’s most unsung outfits. Oranmore have enjoyed fruitful encounters. Mervue United will be earnest regardless of the opposition. Salthill Devon are improving as tidy players return to the fold. NUIG remain a crisp footballing outfit, eager to pass and please.
There was a time when three or four wins would preserve top flight status. Guarantees are gone now, and the race to avoid the drop drips with intrigue. Following a brutal start Colga were briskly installed as relegation candidates, but they showed sufficient pluck at the tail end of last season to suggest that a bold bid will be made. From now on it’s as much about spirit as it is about skill. Heart isn’t lacking in Colga, but many clubs will point to determination as being amongst their strongest traits. Whoever lands the tin and those that avoid the First Division will have earned it. That much is for certain.
