League and Cup games are coming every few days at this stage of the season, Drom was a hype of actvity on Thursday evening with Salthill Devon Under 12s, Under 14s and Juniors all in action.

Salthill Devon Under 14s welcomed back Eoghan Stenson, after a 6 week injury break, and also Shane Garvey and Joe Gaughan both returned to action after missing the recent Connaught cup victory over Maree/Oranmore.

Athenry proved worthy opponents this evening and were a strong physical side and were very direct from the start causing Devon some initial issues at the back. Garbhann Malone soon steadied the ship and Devon, with the prowess of Shane Garvey and Joe Gaughan in the centre of the park, soon began to unlock the Athenry rearguard. Ben Murphy should have opened the scoring with his first chance after some decent approach play by Sean Lally and Aaron Murtagh. Garbhann Malone had a free header just sail over the bar after a good cross from Joe Gaughan but the nerves were settled shortly afterwards with a free kick from an offside delivered over the top of the defence and Dillon Murphy's pace getting him inside the defence and he deftly scupped over the keeper to make it 1-0 to Seasiders. One may have been forgiven to think that the flood gates were about to open. How wrong we were, some nervy defending from Devon gave an opportunity to the right winger of Athenry to shoot from distance and a bad bounce combined with a goalkeeping error made it 1-1 at the break.

Sean Lally was substituted at the break as he continues his rehabilitation from injury and it was good to see him get through the opening period unscathed. Colin Hanbury came in at right full. Moments into the second half Devon failed to deal adequately with a free kick and a comedy of errors led to Salthill conceding a penalty, which the Athenry front man duly converted.

This was to be a test of character for Devon, first time all season they found themselves behind and a potential league title defense in jeopardy. Eoghan Stenson was introduced up front and made an immediate impact, he turned and struck the ball on the edge of the box which canoned off the bar and the striker instinct of Aaron Murtagh followed the ball and he struck the ball splendidly to equalise. Almost immediatey, Shane Garvey in captain fantastic mode went on a prominent run and together with Dillon Murphy played the ball out wide to Colin Hanbury who whipped in the ball and there was Shane Garvey to meet the ball and sweep it to the back of the net. 3 years waiting for that goal and a very important one too. Eoghan Stenson made it 4-2 with a delicate finish after some good approach play by Joe Gaughan and Aaron Murtagh. Devon deserved this win but it was a sloppy performance. Eric Ohlstrom replaced Ben Murphy in the final 8 minutes and indeed he was unlucky not to increase the scoreline as his pace caused damage down the left flank.

Connaught Cup this Saturday versus Willow Park of Athlone in Drom at 2pm.