Salthill Devon returned to the Connaught Cup final with a solid away victory to serious league title challengers Corrib Celtic. With the recent spell of dry weather it meant that the pitch under foot was very hard and made any attempt of trying to get the ball down and pass virtually impossible. Two goals in the opening half from Eoghan Stenson and an og following a through ball from Alex Byrne was the difference between the sides.

Salthill Devon had hoped after their quarter final victory over Willow Park and recent run of injuries that they would finally have a full squad to choose from for this tie. Faith was not on their side as Eric Ohlstrom was absent through illness as were Aaron Kane and Ben Murphy who picked up knocks in the previous round and were unable to tog.

A group of 14 players formed the squad with Chris Healy in goal looking to extend his recent good form and continue his run of clean sheets which he hoped to extend to 5 games. Sean Lally started at right full, Diarmuid Fadden at left full with Shane Garvey and Garbhann Malone in the centre half slots. Alex Byrne on his return to action from a required rest period was accompanied by captain for the day, Joe Gaughan in the holding midfield role, wide left was Shane Connaughton, centre was Conor Shaughnessy and wide right Dillon Murphy with Eoghan Stenson leading the line in attack, Niall Murray, Colin Hanbury and Aaron Murtagh were the replacements and they all knew that they would be required at some stage of the game.

Devon started well with Alex Byrne in dominant mood which was the key feature of the game, his presence and dominance in the air proved the decisive element of the game as the opposition’s tactic was to go route 1 to avail of their dangerman upfront.

Salthill first attack produced the opening goal. Conor Shaughnessy in a "Stevie Gerard" type role got on the ball just inside the opposition half and his prowess picked out the run of Shane Connaughton who got to the ball ahead of two defenders and he managed to dink the ball into Dillon Murphy who came across the line and his deft back heel gave Eoghan Stenson a clear chance at goal and the big man made no mistake. 1-0 to Devon. Corrib Celtic to their credit settled that bit quicker and forced the game without creating any real chances. The game was very stop start, with free kicks been given for the slightest offence. Shane Garvey went down late in the half after he had a shifted a hefty challenge early in the game. He was replaced by Niall Murray who came into midfield with Alex Byrne moving to centre half. Alex Byrne excelled from this stage onwards and he claimed a unique assist when his long clearance turned defence into attack, as the ball bounced high the defender headed it towards his keeper. However a communication mix up meant the ball looped over the keeper into the empty net. 2-0 and shortly afterwards the whistle went for half time.

Devon knew they had not performed to their capabilities and it seemed that all players were agreeable to step it up for the second half. Corrib Celtic were going long at every opportunity and Garbhann Malone who produced a superb performance alongside man of the match Alex Byrne dealt with every long ball. This is turn enabled Devon to construct their passing game. A switch of tactics from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 saw Niall Murray get a lot of ball down the right flank and he was a constant threat, Shane Connaughton wide left was isolated for times but when on the ball he did well. Joe Gaughan and Conor Shaughs began to carve the opposition open and Devon’s best passing movement of the game should have ended with a goal but Shane Connaughton’s tame effort went straight at the keeper. Ten minutes in and Colin Hanbury replaced Sean Lally and to his credit he made an impact as his reading of the game is first class and it is no accident that he is always in the right place at the right time, bringing back memories for the older folk of Paul McGrath. Colin’s team mate, Garbhann Malone also shares this trait.

Aaron Murtagh replaced Eoghan Stenson after he was booked and Aaron also made his contribution. His recent performances for this side have been impressive and his burgeoning talent is progressing all the time. Devon had a couple of half chances to extend the lead but failed to capitalise and Corrib Celtic had a few long range efforts mostly from free kicks but the game ended with Devon advancing to the Connaught Final to be played Merville of Sligo.

Sincere thanks to Club stalwart and voice of the Fives, Brendan O’Shuaghnessy who made the long journey to Annaghdown with his 19 year old dog to support the squad. Once again thanks to all the parents who matched their opposition in numbers attended, both player and management alike appreciate the gesture.

We join our U-12’s in the Connaught Final Festival weekend in Sligo on the May Bank Holiday weekend.