The Mayo league made their mark last weekend when they comprehensively beat the United Churches Football League in the last eight of the Oscar Traynor Trophy by 3-0. Setting up a February 15 clash with Athletic Union League in the semi-final at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. In horrendous weather conditions the Mayo League side were comfortable winners leading the game 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from Westport United’s Martin Geraghty and Castlebar Celtic’s Sean McHale. The final nail in the UCL coffin was drilled home by Stevie Gavin from the penalty spot with time almost up.
Geraghty’s goal came about after a short corner from Ger O’Boyle was whipped into the area by Danny Scahill where the Westport defender rose highest to apply the finishing touches. McHale’s goal just before the break calmed Mayo nerves just before they had to face into a strong gale for the second half. The Castlebar Celtic striker headed home a cross from Tom O’Connor to make the half time team talk a little easier for Declan Kilkelly.
Mayo’s semi-final opponents AUL saw off the 2008 champions in the Desmond League in Limerick last Sunday by 2-0 and will go into the game as favourites. The AUL boasts 14 different divisions in its league from the very top level sides to Sunday morning teams, compared to the five in the Mayo league, the sides will meet at the AUL complex in Dublin on Sunday February 15 with a place in the final up for grabs.
Connacht Cup action this weekend
While the Oscar Traynor side flew the flag for league unity last weekend, this weekend it’s all about club loyalty as five Mayo league sides are in round four action in the Connacht Cup. Westport United will be hosting Cliffoney Celtic in the Sportspark and will be hoping to see off the Sligo challenge as they look to steal a march towards the final. Declan Kilkelly will be taking off his Mayo manager’s cap and returning to home base this weekend when his Castlebar Celtic side take on Sligo based side Ballygawley Celtic in Celtic Park. Iorras Aontaithe fresh from their FAI Junior Cup successes will be looking to keep things ticking over when they take on Galway men City United away from home. While back at home the final tie with Mayo interest is an all Mayo clash where Snugboro United will host last year’s team of the year Straide and Foxford United, who along with gaining promotion back to the Super League also picked the Tonra Cup and the Chadwicks cup, making them the form team of last season. All the games are down for 2pm, kick off is on Sunday January 25.
