Erris United Football Cub

A unique historical occasion, took place in Milebush Park, Castlebar on Saturday the 29th October when the Mayo Soccer Masters take on the Mayo GAA Masters, for the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup. Yes it happened, a game of soccer between the two major sporting organisations in the county.

It was a historic occasion in many ways, whoever thought, we would see the day. The Mayo Association Football League were delighted to host this event. The winner received the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup which was presented by the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee, in appreciation for all the work that Tony did during his short life, for numerous organisations, which Tony was involved with, along with Kevin Bourke from Rehab and  Joe O’Dea, Manager of the Welcome Inn Hotel.

Tony ran monthly dances for Irish people in London, so they had a contact place to meet other Irish emigrants, and in many cases acquired work. It is reckoned that Tony got hundreds of people, jobs during the last recession, who found themselves going across the water to get work, much like it is at present.

Tony, as everyone knew was a great sponsor to many organisations, including the Mayo Association Football League, Mayo County GAA team and the County Board, Castlebar Mitchells, and Castlebar Rugby Club, and Parke GAA club. He was a member of the Mayo Supporters Club since 1989. Away from sport he was a strong supporter of the Castlebar Men’s Association, and indeed anything that had to do with his home town or county. As a member of the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital, it was possible to see him handing out the Sunday papers each Sunday and the Connaught Telegraph on Wednesday; this was done, out of his own pocket, a wonderful gesture to  the patients in the hospital.

The Captain of the Mayo League Masters was Eric O’Reilly along with Harry Reilly and Sean Walsh from the club played their part in the historical occasion.

The final score was: Mayo League Masters 2 Mayo G.A.A. Masters 1

Captain, Eric had the Mayo league Masters in front after two minutes and five minutes later Mick Mullee (Claremorris) made it 2-0. In the second half the Mayo G.A.A. Masters pulled one back with Tim Moriarity penalty (Kilmovee).

After the game, both teams proceeded to the Welcome Inn Hotel for the Presentation of the Cup.

(Proceeds in aid of Rehab, Castlebar)

 

The long and winding road-no- not that will known Beatles hit, but the R312 to Castlebar and Milebush Astro Turf, it will once again be travelled every Wednesday night starting on the 3rd November by Iorras Aontaithe over 35 and the start of the Masters League.

Manager, Martin McIntyre and his squad are looking forward to the season ahead and their defence of the title. The squad will be bolstered by at least two new members, which is welcomed. Over the past number of weeks the panel have been in training in preparation for the challenge ahead. Good luck to all.

 

 

The club held a very successful Quiz night in the Clann Lir Bar on Friday night the 21st.  Des O’ Connor was the Quiz master and thank you.

The Club would like to thank the Sponsors of some of (Adrian Kilker and T&T Clothing)  the spot prizes, also Mary Teresa Barrett  for the refreshments and the the Clann Lir. Congratulations to the winners who were Rabbits Burrow- Kieran Rabbit, Scott Kilker, Adrian Kilker and David Padden. Thanks to everyone for coming along on the night and supporting this fundraising occasion for Iorras Aontaithe Youths.

The Club Secretary, finding it tough going?

 

Back in 2009 Iorras Aontaithe reached the semi-final of this competition, but the goal post blocked their path to the final on that eventful afternoon.  But today, the 16th October, at windy, blustery and cold Carne Nash park, Iorras lost out at the second round, in a seven goal encounter with Super league holders Castlebar Celtic, final score, Iorras 3 Celtic 4.

Iorras had the wind on their backs in the first half and Jonathan Donahue had the home side in front on 10 minutes with a well placed finish. But the visitors were back level when Seamus Staunton scored on 15 minutes. Then on 38 minutes Eamon McAndrew had Erris in front again just before the break.

In the second half the visitors were a different prospect, and with the add of the wind they scored two quick goals on 50 and 52 minutes from Eamon Greane and Stephen Gavin. But Erris battled on, and with nice build-up play, Eamon McAndrew had Erris back level with a good effort on 59  minutes. But on 73 minutes Stephen Gavin scored his second goal with a good effort just outside the area to make it 3-4. Iorras had their moments to push the game to extra time with efforts from Anthony Mills and Gareth O’Malley but it wasn’t enough.

 

TEAM- Shane Nallen, Sean Gaughan, Neil Geraghty, Paul Reilly, Liam Donahue: Anthony Mills (Capt), Pat Barrett, Micky Togher Jonathan Donahue,: Gareth O’Malley Eamon McAndrew.

Congratulations to Ronan Cahalane (9) winner of the Rep of Ireland signed football for the “Striker Shoot-out competition” at the Sean Davis soccer academy that was held at this summer’s soccer courses. Ronan took part at the Erris United course.

Erris United continued its good fortune, on from the weekend with Chris Barrett and Manager, Michael S. Togher receiving the Connaught Telegraph, Footballer of the Week and Umbro, Manager of the week, respectively.

Chris Barrett has spent a lot of this year playing Gaelic football, been involved with Mayo and Belmullet. His return to Iorras Aontaithe was very much welcomed and his display in the Connaught Gold cup final was truly noted with the award.

 

 

Manager, Michael S. Togher was recognised with Manager of the week for his great job, not only fielding an Erris United side for the Connaught Gold cup final, but also having his players will prepared.

Iorras Aontaithe put in a very good display on Sunday the 3rd of October to capture the Connaught Gold Cup (League Challenge cup) against Ballina Town, final score, Iorras 3 Ballina 2.

Iorras took the lead on 23 minutes after some good build-up play from Micky Togher and Eamon McAndrew with Jonathan Donahue providing the final pass to Chris Barrett to slot home from close range.

Then on 29 minutes Iorras almost scored their second with Eamon McAndrew and Chris Barrett combining, but the effort was saved by the Ballina Keeper.  On 37 minutes Iorras were awarded a corner, and  Eamon McAndrew’s kick was headed to the back of the net by Captain, Anthony Mills at the far post. It remained 2-0 to Iorras at the break. When play resumed, Iorras continued to push forward and could have scored their third after a fine darting run from Chris Barrett, which had the Ballina rear guard in trouble, his final pass was to Jonathan Donahue, and with the Ballina keep beaten, his effort hit the post. But in the 56th minute Captain, Anthony Mills scored with a cracking shot from 25 yards to make it 3-0. Then on 63 minutes, Ballina were awarded a free just outside the area, and the resulting effort was well hit, passed Shane Nallan in the Iorras goal. Declan O’Connor made it 3-2 with well taken effort in the 77th minute. With the clock ticking down, Iorras introduced Pat Ginnelly for Jonathan Donahue to shore up the defence. When the final whistle blew, the Iorras Manager fell to the ground with delight. This is the first trophy that the Iorras senior squad has won in eight years, the last been the Super league. Captain, Anthony Mills was awarded the Man of the Match for his leadership and efforts. Overall, it was a very good team performance from Erris and well done to everyone evolved.

A cavalcade of over 70 cars made it’s way back to the Barony of Erris to celebrate the memorable occasion. The Team, Club Officers, Committee and Supporters partied hard well into early morning hours starting in Clann Lir.

TEAM-Shane Nallan, Liam Donahue, Brendan Nallan, Neil Geraghty, Sean Gaughan: Anthony Mills (Capt), Pat Barrett, Chris Barrett, Jonathan Donahue: Micky Togher, Eamon McAndrew. SUB USED- Pat Ginnelly for Jonathan Donahue in the 85th minute.