On Sunday in Terryland Park, Westport United will go looking to make it lucky number seven when they take on Athenry FC in the Connacht Junior Cup final. Standing in Westport United's way will be the defending champions who are going for their third Connacht Junior Cup win on the trot. Picking up the title would be quite a coup for the relatively inexperienced management duo of Kieran Mulchrone and James Fahy who have taken over in the United hot seat this season. While the management duo may be inexperienced at this level, there is plenty of experience to draw on with the likes of Kevin Joyce, Martin Geraghty, Danny Schaill, Gerry McLoughlin, Dave Cameron, Dave Hoban and Pat Fitzgerald all with plenty of big game experience under their belts over the years.
One man’s loss who will be felt majorly is that of Joe Lawless who is battling to be fit and part of the squad for Sunday's game, and the inspirational leader will be kicking every ball of the action on Sunday, be it on or off the field. Westport's route to the final has seen them overcome Corrib Rangers, Cloonfad United, Corrib Celtic in their first three rounds, with Straide and Foxford United being put to the sword by six goals to two in the last eight, with Ballinasloe Town putting up a very tough battle in the semi-final with Westport finally overcoming them 1-0 in the end.
Athenry are currently under the guidance of Gabriel Glavin and have a number of big names players in their own squad such as Alan O'Donovan, Stephen Rabbette, Seamie Crowe and Cathal Fahy who will all warrant special attention from the Covies’ management. The defending champions saw off Mervue United in their semi-final and have played all their games in this competition on the road so far.
Both sides met in this competition two years ago with Athenry coming out on top on a score of 3-1, this Sunday's game promises to be an exciting encounter between two sides who like to play attractive football and Terryland Park should be the perfect setting for this battle, and one thing is for sure, there will be a big Westport crowd out in support of their side on Sunday.
