Alex Byrne, Ben Murphy, Dillon Murphy and Eoghan Stenson all scored as Salthill Devon clinched their second league title in succession and remained unbeaten in the league all season.

Conor Shaughnessy was a late casualty for this league title decider in Drom last night. He has been in inspiring form as of late and would be missed in the game that ensued. Such is the strength in depth of the Salthill Devon squad that it opened up a place for someone else in the squad. Chris Healy was in goal with the marauding Sean Lally at right full and the deceptive Diarmuid Fadden at left full, the deadly duo of Shane Garvey and Garbhann Malone marshalled the centre of defence with Ben Murphy wide left and Shane Connaughton wide right. Joe Gaughan and Alex Byrne were the centre midfield pairing with Eoghan Stenson and Dillon Murphy in attack.

Devon started the game at an explosive pace, Alex Byrne and Joe Gaughan dominated the opening exchanges in the middle of the park. Sean Lally at right full behind Shane Connaughton wide right, were getting a lot of joy down the right flank. Alex Byrne opened the scoring on 12 minutes as he curled the ball majestically around the opposition keeper into the far corner of the net. A truly wonderful finish and he was assisted by Eoghan Stenson for the goal.

Salthill Devon made it 2-0 shortly afterwards. Garbhann Malone once again superb in his centre half position won the ball back as he has done so often this season and fed it to Alex Byrne who in turn spotted the run of Ben Murphy. A pin point ball from Byrne allowed Murphy to outstrip the defender and he was the coolest man in Drom as he finished into the bottom corner of the net. Devon were dominant and they switched tactics slightly moving Shane Connaughton in field and Dillon Murphy wide right. This switch had the desired effect as Dillon Murphy used his pace and he created 3 gilt edged opportunities for Devon and they should really have had the game sewn by half time. Eoghan Stenson was incredibly unlucky as his ‘Peter Crouch’ style scissors kick cannoned off the cross bar in what had been Devon’s best move of the game. Diarmuid Fadden was unlucky not to score after a set piece saw Garbhann Malone somehow manage to divert the ball back in from the end line and Diarmuid Fadden will probably reflect on what should have been. A great move nonetheless. Shane Garvey felt a twinge in his hamstring 5 minutes before the break which resulted in Niall Murray coming in to replace him and Alex Byrne moving into centre half.

At the break, it appeared that the Devon management requested more of the same, play a high line and continue with the pace of the game, as with under age football and life, Devon rearguard retreated and this allowed Corrib Celtic to come more into the game. To be fair, Corrib Celtic were that bit more physical and they scored to make it 2-1 after Salthill failed to clear their lines and lost possession following a throw in. 2-1 and it was game on as Corrib Celtic pushed for an equaliser. Devon on a rare journey out of their half saw Joe Gaughan, Niall Murray and Shane Connaughton subtly pick out Dillon Murphy who finished with aplomb. 3-1 to Devon and that the league title was now within their grasp. Aaron Murtagh replaced Dillon Murphy, Eric Ohlstrom replaced Ben Murphy, Colin Hanbury replaced Diarmuid Fadden and Aaron Kane replaced Shane Connaughton for the last 15 minutes of the game.

Eoghan Stenson got his just reward for his hardwork as he finished coolly in the box to make it 4-1. Almost immediately a Corrib Celtic substitute scored a wonder goal. The goal was similar to the goal that the Spurs youth player, Danny Rose I believe, scored against Arsenal late on in the season. The game finished 4-2 to Devon and after 11 league games, 10 wins and 1 draw and 0 defeats, 31 points from a possible 33 and 48 goals scored, it truly has been a wonderful season with so many high points. The Devon Management were asked what point of the season was significant and both Gavin and De Renzy were in agreement that the recent second half performance against Cregmore/Claregalway stood out.

The parents of the Salthill Devon players came together to have an end of season party for the squad upstairs in Drom and their was a tangible community feel to the evening. Gavin and De Renzy were humbled when they were presented with a gift from the squad.

The well wishes and support from parents, friends, colleagues, partners and club officials was evident in Drom for the game last night. Devon play Cregmore in the Premier Cup Semi final this coming week.

Squad: Chris Healy, Sean Lally, Dairmuid Fadden, Shane Garvey, Garbhann Malone, Alex Byrne, Joe Gaughan, Ben Murphy, Shane Connaughton, Dillon Murphy, Eoghan Stenson, Niall Murray, Eric Ohlstrom, Aaron Murtagh, Aaron Kane, Colin Hanbury and Conor Shaughnessy Inj.