Party time for champs Aughanagh
AUGHANAGH Celtic aren’t far away from a 50th birthday, having been founded in 1976, and the among the milestone seasons for the club will be the 2023-24 campaign.
This season’s Sligo Pallets Premier League champions, Aughanagh were presented with the trophy following last Friday’s hosting of Valley Rovers in Ballinafad.
Aughanagh secured the title last month but they wanted to wrap up this Premier Division adventure in style and did so when winning 5-1.
First-half goals from Seamus Hailstones and James Kiernan had them 2-0 up at the break. Valley Rovers, who finished second from bottom this season, put a temporary damper on things when Thomas Flynn scored after the restart.
But the home side’s celebrations resumed when substitute Seamus Kane converted a penalty, a goal that was almost immediately followed by a fourth goal when Arthur Wall scored. Then Barry Cryan netted to make it 5-1.
Aughanagh, who are captained by Darragh Hailstones and managed by Francis Candon, only lost once in 22 games, with 20 wins and one draw – a majestic record.
Afterwards the Sligo Pallets Premier League trophy was presented to the champions by Gerry Dooner, who represented sponsors Sligo Pallets, while the Sligo-Leitrim and District Soccer League were represented by Noel M and Robert Kennedy, who presented the winners’ medals.
There was also a speech from Aughanagh secretary Kevin Cryan, who thanked a number of people for helping make this such a special time for Aughanagh, with the parish comprising of the areas of Ballinafad, Corrigeenroe and Castlebaldwin.
There were two other games played in SligoLeitrim’s second tier last weekend – both took place on Sunday. Sligo Pallets Premier League runners-up Merville United lost 3-1 at home to Coolaney United.
The visitors were 3-0 up by the 66th minute thanks to goals from Enda Gallagher, Jack Somers and Joe McMunn. Merville’s goalscorer was substitute Aodhán Pena Mac Mathúna.
Also on Sunday, Ballisodare United won 4-2 away to Strand Celtic Reserves. A brace from Adam Grace and Ben Sherlock’s finish had the visitors 3-1 ahead at half-time. The home side’s goalscorer in the first-half was Thomas Mulligan.
Luke Wilson pulled another goal back for Strand Celtic Reserves but Ballisodare
ISligo Southern Hotel Super League, leaders Gurteen Celtic received a walkover from Cliffoney Celtic, who were unable to field a team for last Sunday’s scheduled fixture. Also in the top flight, second from bottom St John’s FC hammered bottom of the table Real Tubber 6-1 at MacSharry Park.
David Hefferan had the game of his life for St John’s – he scored five goals, including a converted penalty, with Leon Clancy also netted from a spot-kick for St John’s.
This was Real Tubber’s 18th loss of a hugely disappointing season. Their goalscorer against St John’s was Ciaran Gorman.
Played on Friday, April 5
ROUND 11: Aughanagh Celtic 5, Valley Rovers 1
Played on Sunday, April 7
ROUND 13: Gurteen Celtic 3, Cliffoney Celtic 0 (walkover win)
ROUND 22: St John’s FC 6, Real Tubber 1
FIXTURES
Friday, April 12
ROUND 22: Strand Celtic v MCR FC (6.30pm) (Owen McLoughlin)
Sunday, April 14
ROUND SIX: Ballymote Celtic v Cartron United (11am) (Rolf Zoschke)
ROUND 22 – GAMES START AT 11AM: Carbury FC v Cliffoney Celtic (MacSharry Park) (D Basquille); Calry Bohs v Glenview Stars (Justin McMorrow); Arrow Harps v Manor Rangers (Philip McLoughlin)
ROUND 15: Ballygawley Celtic v Ballisodare United (11am) (Terry Butler)
QUARTER-FINAL: Dromahair FC v Ballinagare Manor United (Roscommon) (2pm) (Mark Irwin)