Salthill Devon retained the Connaught Cup they had won 2 years ago with a well deserved victory over Merville Utd of Sligo in Strandill on Sunday afternoon with a late strike from Eoghan Stenson into the top corner of the net after an excellent assist from Dillon Murphy.

A noon kick off was not ideal for this Connaught Cup U-14 final. It meant that Devon were on the road early, some departing just after 8am to make the journey to the picturesque seaside resort of Strandhill, Co Sligo. Devon had a full squad available except for Joe Gaughan who has been in excellent form in recent weeks and his deadball accuracy and guile in central midfield would be missed.

A blustery morning in Strandhill meant that for all intents and purposes this really would be a game of two halves. Devon started with the breeze at their backs and got the better of the opening exchanges without creating any real opportunities. Dillon Murphy had the best chance of the half after a long delivery from Alex Byrne in his own half enabled Murphy to outpace the Merville rearguard and he was forced wide of the goal and his snap shot just fizzed over the bar. Unknown to him but Eoghan Stenson had made a 40 yard dash to get himself to the edge of the box but it was not to be on this occasion. Devon Midfield quartet of Alex byrne, Conor Shaughnessy, Ben Murphy and Shane Connaughton was battling hard against their opposite numbers and chances were at a premium in the opening half. Merville had one corner in the 1st half and whilst they battled well in midfield, Salthill Devon looked the more likely. Shane Garvey and Garbhann Malone were thier usually reliable selves at centre half and Sean Lally at right back showed that he is back to the form that earned him rave reviews last season. It would be unfair not to mention the sterling work of his parents behind the scenes as they brought him to Specialists and Physios in order to get him back playing since his injury last September and all those visits proved worthwhile as he put in a superb performance at right full. His opposite full back and hardcore Chelsea Fan, Diarmuid Fadden was his usual consistent self and with a left foot as sweet as Liam "chippy" Brady he caused havoc at the back for Merville with his delicate delivery from corner kicks and when on the ball at left full. The first half ended in stalemate and as Devon made their way to the dressing room they noticed a bounce in the Merville step as they went off, perhaps they felt and may be justified in assuming that the hard work was done as they would have the breeze at their back in the second half.

p>We all believe that something extraordinary must have happened in the dressing room at half time in Istanbul when Liverpool came back from a 3 nil deficit to ultimately win the Champions League final, this half time bore something similar, Devon Management consulted en route to the Dressing room and it was agreed that a change to the tactics in the 2nd half. The traditional 4-4-2 was changed to a 4-2-3-1 with Dillon Murphy moving far right, Shane Connaughton moving more central to liaise with the lone target of Eoghan Stenson.

Merville were going long at every opportunity and they were well drilled with set pieces on long throw ins Stoke City style and from corner kicks too. Sometimes individuals show their inner character and decide for themselves that this was their moment to step up and alter proceedings, Alex Byrne grapped this game by the scruff of the neck, he was ably assisted by Conor Shaughnessy in central midfield and together they stepped up their performances, they combined with the shear pace and strength of Dillon Murphy and Sean Lally down the right flank were causing Merville havoc. Indeed Dillon Murphy was unlucky not to score a wonder goal when his explosive strike cannoned off the underside of the cross bar in the games most defining moment up to that point. Ben Murphy who was equally threatening down the left flank when in possession was beginning to feel the effects of his recent injury and was replaced by Niall Murray who has been at the top of his game in recent months and who would be a regular on any team in the province but for the sheer quality that Devon possess in this position. He seamlessly came into the game, pushing Conor Shaughnessy to a more advanced role and Shane connaughton moving wide left, a super gem for Devon to have at thier disposal who can play in a multitude of positions.

Both players were heavily involved in Devon's next big chance as Shane Connaughton scampered clear of the Merville rearguard, Conor Shaughnessy joined him and perhaps he might have made a run on the outside of Connaughton which would have given him a clear run at goal but some last gasp defending denied Devon the opportunity.

The game was entering its final moments as Devon produced their best move of the game, Alex Byrne won possession in the central midfield position, he knocked the ball out wide to the marauding Sean Lally who in turn picked out Dillon murphy further up the wing. Dillon Murphy went into Turbo gear and powered by his marker and cleverly turned the centre half as he came into the box and he was coolness personified when he calmly passed to ball to the feet on the incoming Eoghan Stenson who controlled the ball with a deft first touch and with his second touch hew finished the ball to the top corner of the net to give Salthill Devon the lead, a super goal and the more domineering team took a deserved lead.

On the restart, Alex Byrne slotted back in as an additional centre half, Conor Shaughs moved right side with Dillon Murphy moving up front. 3 minutes into overtime the referee blew for full time and Devon were Connaught Cup champions and deservedly so, they join their U-12 clubmates as Champions of Connaught. Joyous scenes of celebrations followed with the manager almost drowned with a 5 litre bottle of water thrown over his head. Shane Garvey in his role as captain for the day thanked Merville for the game which was played in a fair competitive spirit, he thanked Strandhill Celtic for hosting the final and complimented their super facilities.

A super connaught cup run has ended in victory and all squad members played their role en route to this victory. Aaron Kane, Aaron Murtagh, Colin Hanbury, Eric Ohlstrom and Colm Hughes made up the match day squad and whilst not introduced in this game, all can hold their heads high as all 4 of them along with the absent Joe Gaughan were just as important to this win as the 12 players involved on the day.

The league and premier cup remain part of the objective for the season and this coming Thursday, our newly crowned Connaught Champions host Barna United in the premier cup and on saturday in the league, Devon host Cregmore/Claregalway.