Consistent Aughanagh are Premier champions

AUGHANAGH Celtic are this season’s Sligo Pallets Premier League champions. The east Sligo outfit, comprising of players from the Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin and Corrigeenroe areas, secured silverware with a 3-1 away defeat of Ballisodare United last Friday night.

Under lights on Ballisodare’s astroturf pitch, the visitors started well and went ahead through James Kiernan’s 21st minute goal – his 15th goal of the campaign – and they led 1-0 at half-time.

The home side threatened to spoil the title party when Stephen Fallon equalised after 64 minutes. But two goals in stoppage time clinched a 19th win from 21 games. Team captain Darragh Hailsones converted a penalty which was awarded after a foul on James Kiernan and Seamus Kane added the winners’ third with a fine volley.

Aughanagh, who have been consistently impressive all season, are champions with a game to spare – they are nine points clear of second-placed Merville United who are in a strong position to take the runners-up spot.

This season’s triumph is their third SligoLeitrim title and first Premier League success – they were Division Two champions (200102) and Division One winners (2003-04). They were pipped for Premier League honours 16 years ago on goal difference.

The new champions received a message of congratulations from Republic of Ireland and Liverpool legend John Aldridge.

The video message from Aldridge, which was posted by Aughanagh Celtic on their Facebook page last Saturday, was as follows: “Huge congratulations to Aughanagh Celtic management, players and supporters on your championship win – brilliant, well done.

Aldridge added: “Best of luck, also, in the Super League next season – it’s great to see you all back where you belong in Sligo football. Well done, keep it going.”

Also in Sligo-Leitrim’s second tier last weekend, Valley Rovers lost 2-0 to Calry Bohs Reserves.

This round four fixture, which took place at Cleveragh’s astroturf pitch, was settled by a brace of goals from Scott McLoughlin – he scored once in each half and his second-half goal was from a spot-kick.

GURTEEN Celtic are now five points clear at the top of the Sligo Southern Hotel Super League. The leaders were 2-1 winners against Arrow Harps on Sunday last – St Patrick’s Day – in what was a comeback win.

After a scoreless opening period at Boyle Celtic’s facilities the visitors went a goal up when Luke Flynn netted after 69 minutes.

Gurteen levelled matters three minutes later when Conor Dwyer scored. Eoghan Nerney popped up with the winner in the third minute of additional time. This was a 12th win in 15 games for last season’s Premier League champions who have certainly adapted to life in the top flight.

Defending champions MCR FC have re-emerged as contenders. They are up to second in the standings, five points behind Gurteen and the Sligo town side have a game in hand.

MCR’s latest win was a 4-3 defeat of St John’s FC on Saturday last at MacSharry Park.

This was an exciting encounter as six of the game’s seven goals came in the opening period.

Leon Clancy put St John’s in front after a minute, a goal that was cancelled out by MCR’s Jordan Harte, but Conor Brennan’s finish restored St John’s lead. MCR, now 2-1 down, got back on track with further goals from Jordan Harte and Gary Farren. Leading 4-2 at the break, MCR had to reshuffle following Jordan Harte’s