Castlebar Celtic lose out in U-18 Connacht cup final

CONNACHT U-18 CUP FINAL

Castlebar Celtic 0

Mervue United 1 

J Kelly 18

In Castlebar

Jack Kelly's well-worked goal was enough to sway this cup final for Galway giants, Mervue United in Umbro Park, Milebush.

Castlebar Celtic enjoyed large spells of possession throughout the game but ultimately never really troubled Jason Daly in the Mervue goal.

The impressive Celtic midfielder Joe Forry came close on numerous occasions in the opening, however, the Mervue defence was resilient throughout the 100 minutes of football that was played. 

READ MORE: Mayo defeated in rip-roaring Connacht Minor Final

The Mayo champions started brightly as it took the Galway Champions a while to click into gear. Right from the off, it was evident that the Mervue management team were extremely vocal as they tried their best to encourage their young, talented side. Referee Thomas Oates was called to the sideline in the opening period when he issued a red card for a member of the vocal Mervue management. 

Celtic, were without the suspended Rhys Saville, who was no doubt a loss in such a huge game. Mervue, who most recently lost out in the FAI Youth Final to Cork side, College Corinthians defended with bravery as they kept Celtic’s dangerman Tiernan Brady relatively quiet where clearcut chances for the Mayo side were limited. 

The Galway champions were excellent in attacking areas and they caused the boys in green and white a torrid time on numerous occasions. Ultimately Celtic’s attack failed to fire and one goal for Mervue was enough to win the title.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News