Erris United Football Cub

Masters of the Universe – well at least Mayo, as far as Over 35 Football is concerned.

Goals from Kieran Lavelle, Eric O’Reilly and M.J. Nallen sealed a 3-1 playoff win over Fahy Rovers at Milebush to secure the Mayo League Masters title for 2010/11.

Within minutes of the final whistle,Mayo League Chairman Padraic McHale  put the squad on standby to represent Mayo in upcoming Masters fixtures against Down and Galway. So the universe may well await these intrepid travellers who clocked up over 1500 miles to secure the silverware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In truth, this decider need never had been played. Iorras Aontaithe had been within ten minutes of clinching the trophy three weeks before.. Leading 3-1 in the league fixture, the prospect of celebratory cups of tea at Castlebar Centra caused a lack of concentration and Rovers secured the point they needed to force the playoff.

But no messing this time. Iorras dominated throughout and could have won by a larger margin, but for some heroics by the Fahy shot stopper and a controversial red card awarded to star man Kieran Lavelle.

Operating on the right flank, Lavelle tormented Fahy from the kick off, combining a fine first touch with pace. Aontaithe supporters, WAGs, waifs and strays, had barely assembled before Kieran finished off a three man move with a rasping right foot drive.

The tempo was frenetic. While Aontaithe employed a long ball game, they were most menacing when Kieran was brought in to the game, with astute measured layoffs from experienced target man Eric O’Reilly.

With Martin Boylan and Sean Walsh solid in defence, Fahy, in their pale light blue shirts barely got a look in. Iorras in comparison, dominated, their vivid white shirts with red sash (sponsored by Shevlin Engineering) , blitzing Rovers’ goal. But a second strike just would not come.

Then  disaster, minutes into the second period, Lavelle, the Garda Sargent, fell foul of the law. He and his marker clashed (both red carded). A mutual questioning of parentage followed and handbags flew. Yes, dummies were thrown out of prams but Kieran’s red card was harsh.

“Outrageous” stormed the Iorras manager, Martin McIntyre or at least words to that effect, as he remonstrated Fergie style.

But the experienced gaffer, who guided Erris to the F.A.I. Youth Challenge Cup in 2004, quickly recaptured his reflective and measured calm. Mac, skilfully shuffled his pack to counter Fahy’s numerical dominance. Vinnie McGrath, Kenny Lynskey and Eamon Dixon provided fresh legs. Skipper O’Reilly was given a breather, but returned to the fray as Fahy dominated proceedings. Iorras goalie Des Hefferon denied Rovers the equaliser and from a long punt, O’Reilly foraging alone, carved out the second goal. It was no more than his tireless running deserved.

Moments later, M.J. Nallen scored the third. If Lavelle’s opener had been exquisite, Eric’s a reward for dogged endeavour; this strike was a triumph for experience, tenacity and the will to win. American Street’s retail entrepreneur chased a lost cause with the defender well in control. But Michael John displaying the upper body strength of Connacht hooker Sean Cronin, stole the ball, stretched out a left leg and poked the ball home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jubilation, celebration and almost a fourth goal when Rathmorgan man Lynskey timed his run to perfection, executed a volley with precision, but denied by the excellent Fahy keeper.

Rovers’ late strike was of consolation value only. O’Reilly lifted the Cup, presented by the competition sponsor and he praised a competitive Fahy team and the Iorras Aontaithe supporters for their backing plus Kit-man, Christy Cawley warranting a special mention. Like the squad he gave 100%

All that remained was the traditional cup of tea at Centra, a cavalcade of cars that beeped through Bangor and circled and caroused Belmullet, prior to the homecoming at McDonnell’s.

The trophy was filled with a concoction worthy of winners, though there is no truth in the rumour genial landlord Padraic had thrown in a shot of formaldehyde.

Those lads may be past their 35^th birthday, but there is still plenty of life in those limbs

Iorras Aontaithe. Mayo League Masters winners 2010/11

Final score: Iorras Aontaithe 3 Fahy Rovers 1

 

Manager: Martin McIntyre

Kit-Man: Christy Cawley.

 

Panel: Eric O’Reilly (captain), Des Hefferon, Martin Boylan, Sean Walsh, Vinnie McGrath, Eamon Dixon, Kieran Lavelle, M. J. Nallen, Kenny Lynskey, Harry Reilly, Mickey Dixon, Gerry Lavelle, Pat Murphy.

 

Patrick Conway, Club Vice-President, Reporting on a moment to remember.