The A-Team was a very popular American Television adventure series in the years 1983-86 and one of it’s characters, Col. John “Hannibal” Smith played by the late George Peppard would often be heard saying ” I love it when a plan comes together” now whether, Iorras Aontaithe/Erris United had a plan or not, is neither here nor their, but the fact is this small Club from North West Mayo are through to the Semi-Final of the F.A.I. Umbro Junior Cup for the very first time in the club’s very short 25 year history, by beating Competition favourites, Fairview Rangers of Limerick, on penalty’s, in a very exciting game after the game ended 1-1 plus extra time with Henry Gaughan slotting home the winning penalty on a 4-3 score line. It is a wonderful achievement for the Club given the fact Iorras Aontaithe have a very small player pool. Fairview Rangers have, on the other hand, won this trophy 6 times in the past 12 years but Iorras were undeterred by this statistic and the men from North Mayo had came to Limerick with one view in mind, and that was to book their place in the Semi-Final for the first time. Iorras dominated the first half with their style of, in your face football ,determination and drive, of which this squad of players have, attacking the home side with every opportunity and keeping them on the back foot. But on 23 minutes Liam Donohue sent in a peach of a cross from the right wing were it was met by the floating presents of Stephen Carolan high in the air and he nodded home the lead for Iorras. Pat Barrett, David Reilly, Brendan Nallan, Micky Togher and Jonathan Donohue were threatening with every opportunity looking for that second goal, aided by the breeze, but Iorras went in at the break one goal to the good.
In the second half Fairview, with the wind on their backs, come looking for an equalizer and they levelled the score line on the 69th minute when Jeffrey Judge slotted home from a Colm Heffernan corner. The two sides had opportunities to win the game in the half but extra time was called for. In the first 10 minutes of extra time Fairview almost took the lead but their effort was repelled by Shane Nallen in the Iorras goal but in the final 10 minutes of extra time Iorras continued their surge for the winning goal but the game ended 1-1. In the penalty shot out Iorras had the first kick which Brendan Nallan converted with ease with Shane Nallan making a great save for Fairview first kick which gave Iorras the edge plus David Reilly, Garth O’Malley also converted and when Henry Gaughan slotted home the winning kick to make it 4-3 it unleashed a scene of wild celebration from his team mattes and travelling fans. This was, again, another great team performance but as the saying goes, a lot of work done but more to do,. Iorras Aontaithe will now face Ballymun United in the Semi-Final in Milebush Park in Castlebar on Sunday 5th April with a 2.00pm Kick off. The Club would like to thank all the travelling supporters and to Fairview Rangers F.C. for their courtesy and welcome. To show your support to the team fly the Club Colours to show your support. To view video clip showing Henry slotting home the winning penalty plus the mayhem that ensued and to hear Eric’s after match interview click the Clubs Youtube page, excuse the wind noise and also click on gallery to view some photos from the evening before game, morning of game and after.
Iorras Aontaithe/Erris United would like to thank everyone for their positive messages of support for the Club and its wonderful players on the long hard path in this competition so far. To all those Erris exiles who are logging on to the web site from America, Canada, Australia, England and many other countries please feel free to leave your comments as we would love to hear from you.
TEAM-Shane Nallan, Liam Donohue, David Reilly, Henry Gaughan, John Gaughan, Brendan Nallan, Pat Barrett, Anthony Mills, Jonathan Donohue, Micky Togher, Stephen Carolan. SUBS USED- Neil Geraghty for Jonathon Donohue (68m) and Garth O’Malley for Stephen Carolan (86m).
Semi-Final games to be played on weekend 4/5 April 2009. Due to this Semi-Final fixture for Iorras the Mayo league has decided to postpone the start of the 2009 League season by one week. Round one fixtures scheduled for Sunday, 5th , will now be fixed for Sunday, April 12th.
Penalty King, Henry Gaughan enjoying his pint in McDonnell's, Belmullet later that evening with Family, Friends, Supporters and teammate, Brendan Nallen plus the Club Chairman where they all relived a great days work in Limerick
