West United made the trip out to play Tuam Celtic on a cold, wet and windy Sunday morning in the FAI Junior Cup, but their tie was called to a premature halt 10 minutes into the second half when referee Martin Hynes abandoned the game due to the deteriorating nature of the pitch.
Player safety was tantamount to the official’s decision and he must be commended for making a tough and not universally popular decision. The game was level at 0-0, a scoreline that looked unlikely to change, at the time so neither side can feel aggrieved at the outcome. Whether West will now be awarded home advantage for the refixed game remains to be seen.
In the final fourth round fixture played yesterday, Athenry eventually accounted for First Division St Bernard’s on their home turf. Trailing 2-1 at the break, Timmy Holian’s men found their stride in the second period and were soon in front thanks to goals from Benny Lawless and Mike Madden.
A late strike from Jamie O’Driscoll completed the scoring and Athenry have finally emerged into the open draw stage from the Galway section of this competition for the first time since they were beaten finalists in 2006.
On Saturday Galway Hibernians moved to the top of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier League thanks to a comfortable win over Colga in Bohermore. They move a point ahead of West United with two games more played, thanks to goals from Brian Griffin (2 ), Mark Moran, and Alan Shaughnessy.
