"Fail to prepare, prepare to fail", famous words by our most renowned footballer in the last decade, this thought process ensured that if this fixture didnt go to plan, it would not be because of all the consistent preparation...

Preparation for this fixture was not as smooth as one would have liked, a heavy downpour of snow/frost on Tuesday evening last meant that the planned session was not executed as one had envisioned, Thursday evening with no excuse for snow lacked its usual bite, Friday set pieces showed an improvement in the mindset of the squad.

Match day, third irish cup fixture away from home, no easy games this season, last season's run may have been kind with home advantage but if one wants to progress this season, it means winning on the road, however, there was an intangible incentive to this fixture, the winners of this tie had a home draw in the last 16.

Devon arrived in the village of Graigcullen, just on the outskirts of Carlow town but officially in the county of Laois. Opposition Secretary, Ger Cuddihy was very welcoming to the travelling party and should be commended for same. Devon arrived in plenty of time, wanting to sample the atmosphere, walk the pitch, sos out the warm up area, get use to the surroundings so that nothing would be a surprise come kick off.

The squad led by captain for the day, Conor Shaughnessy along with chaperon Dave Creaven took a walk to the local spar for some potassium in the form of Banana's. The Management structure, Gavin and De Renzy went about preparations, warm up set up and on their return, the squad was fully informed that match day mode was to set in, warm up was going to plan until the opposition manager interrupted to point out that we were in their area, with no signage confirming same, it was the ideal motivation for the start of the game.

Devon lined out, the pitch was soft under foot, it looked ideal but the ball tended to bobble about when passed around, Devon were sluggish from the start, passing and first control let them down, some needless over playing at the back almost allowed St. Pat's in for an opening chance but the central defender made up for his error, whilst the opposition were not carving open Devon, they were definetely winning the opening exchanges. Devon were having more joy down the right flank with the combination of Dillon Murphy and Aaron Kane. Joe Gaughan began to exert more influence in the middle of the park and he and Conor Shaughs exchanged passes to led Joe Gaughan carry the ball a good 15 yards and he unleashed a sweet strike which just skinned the top of the bar. It had been Devon's best move to date. Moments later, Joe Gaughan in an almost mirror image of his last move struck the ball and it looped over the head of the opposition keeper. A good goal. Alex Byrne in midfield felt the effects of a late tackle as the first half wore on, it was clear that he wouldn't be able to continue. Shane Connaughton was togged and ready at half time.

The 2nd half without the domineering presence of Alex Byrne meant that others would have to step up to the mark. Shane Garvey at centre half, arguably Devons best player this season along with Garbhann Malone kept things tight. Conor Shaughnessy who has been playing his best football all season in recent weeks continued to pick the right pass and his long playing relationship with Shane Connaughton was immediately evident. Shane Connaughton noted for his calm football prowess instilled that bit of composure on the ball that was missing in the opening period and he was causing problems in the St Pats rearguard.

Diarmuid Fadden at left full was seeing more of the ball and he played a joint assist wiht Eoghan Stenson for the 2nd goal. A superbly whipped in ball from almost the left hand side at the half way line enabled Stenson to control and turn and lay the ball for Dillon Murphy who in the right place that the right time gambled and he deftly dinked the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0. Colin Hanbury replaced Aaron Kane at right full.

The 3rd goal and best move on the game ensured shortly afterwards, a passing move that ebbed and flowed and involved, Gaughan, Murphy, Hanbury, Shaughnesy who released the ball out right to Shane Connaughton who struck the ball first time into the area between the keeper and 6 yard boss and Eoghan Stenson bravely dived in to head the ball home, a really good goal.

Aaron Murtagh, Eric Ohlstrom and Finn McLaughlin all were introduced and indeed Eric Ohlstrom was very unlucky not to open his goal account this season, late on Garbhann Malone was unlucky not to score three games on the trot after the keeper made a splendid save. In the final moments, Chris Healy in goal made an outstanding stop from point blank range to keep a clean sheet. Ben Murphy who was replaced late on in the game made a significant contribution in the 2nd half.

Into the last 16, Devon now face waterford outfit, Southend.

It was a patchy but clinical performance from Devon. The Management team asked that the parents be acknolwedged for making the journey to Carlow. A big thank you to St. Patrick's Boys who fed and watered the travelling galway party with sandwiches, tea, coffee and biscuits.