Castlebar Celtic got their season off to a winning start in the EA Sports Cup with a 1-0 preliminary round win over Salthill Devon in Celtic Park on Tuesday night. Peter Dravins was the hero for Celtic scoring an 87th minute winner over the Galway side who were promoted from the Newstalk A league to division one of the Airtricity league last season, a feat Celtic will be hoping to emulate this season. The win puts Castlebar Celtic into the first round proper of the competition where they will take on Finn Harps at home. A win over the Donegal men will keep Celtic moving in the right direction ahead of their kick off in the Newstalk A league in May.
Westport appoints new boss
Westport United has appointed Barry Kilgannon as the successor to Padraig Burns who stepped down as manager of the side following the club’s exit from the Connacht Cup at the hands of Athenry. Kilgannon has League of Ireland experience having played for Limerick City in the late 80s, before managing sides in the city including coaching the University of Limerick side. Kilgallon’s first taste of action in the Super League will be an interesting one, with Westport United hosting old rivals Castlebar Celtic in the opening round of the Super League in three weeks time.
Straide and Foxford make semi-final spot
Straide and Foxford Untied booked their spot in the semi-final of the Connacht Cup last weekend thanks to a 5-4 win on penalties against Oranmore. Goalkeeper Darren Flatley was the hero of the day, saving a penalty and scoring one himself to book his side’s spot in the last four. In the semi-final Straide and Foxford will host Galway Hibs on April 11, with Athenry and Carbury FC battling it out for the other final spot. The final is down for decision on May 9.
