Iorras Aontaithe exciting run in the F.A.I. Umbro Junior Cup came to an end on Sunday 5th April as they lost 2 – 1 to Ballymun United in extra time in a thrilling game at Milebush Park, Castlebar. Iorras came so close to qualifying for the final of Junior soccer’s biggest competition, but the goal post denied them their glory. Iorras fell behind after 11 minutes when Irish International, David Keane put Ballymun ahead with an excellent strike from the edge of the area. It stunned the Iorras men, but the visitors lead was short lived, and on 38 minutes Iorras were awarded a free just inside the Ballymun half on the right and the resulting, Jonathan Donoghue kick, eluded everyone and sailed straight into the left corner of the goal. The 1500 or so Iorras supporters went wild and the visitors were rattled. It remained at 1-1 going into the break. Ballymun dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half with David Keane and Barry Kavanagh stretching the the Iorras defence on a number of occasions but on 82 minutes Micky Togher found space in the Ballymun area and his shot rebounded off the bottom of the upright and that was as close as Iorras got to sealing the game and it ended 1-1. In the 5th minute of extra time a long ball had the Iorras defence at sea and David Keane nodded the ball across the face of the goal for Barry Kavanagh to head home and the lead for the Dublin side. It proved to be the winner but Iorras never dropped their heads and in the dying seconds Iorras had one more chance with a long ball effort but it was not to be. The great cup run was over. Iorras Aontaithe never really replicated the style, of play that brought them this stage of the competition, in this game. Player-Manager, Eric O’ Reilly his assistants, Harry Reilly and Paul Reilly the Team and Panel can be very proud of what they have achieved in this Cup campaign bringing pride on themselves the Club the Erris Community the County and the clubs wonderful supporters. This performance will hold them in good stead going into Super League campaign, remembering that they have beaten very good sides in this cup campaign, and over 90 minutes of football a very good Ballymun side failed to overcome this Iorras Aontaithe team.
Check out Gallery for all the photos that were taken in this Cup run including the weekend of the 4th/5th April their all in the bottom section over 4 pages of great moments.
Team Shane Nallan, Liam Donohue, David Reilly, Neil Geraghty, Henry Gaughan,Pat Barrett,Anthony Mills, Brendan Nallen, Stephen Carolan,Mickey Togher and Jonathon Donoghue. Subs used; Eric O Reilly, Garth O Malley and Sean Gaughan. Panel John Gaughan, Kenneth O Connor, Michael Meeneghan, Stephen Nallen,Mark Reilly, Seamus O Malley,Ian O Boyle, Jason O Donnell, David McDonnell, Thomas McAndrew and Enda Conroy (GK)
Management and panel in The Broadhaven Bay Hotel Belmullet on Sunday morning the 5th April
April 6th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thanks for all the great days lads, ye done us proud!
April 6th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Well done yesterday to a smashing game of football, played in a sporting manner on an excellent pitch, thanks to all your supporters for making the game such a memorable occasion. Best of luck in your season, remember we lost two semi’s before coming back bigger and stronger and winning it in 2001, learn from it and get back next season.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
First of all, well done to Ballymun. I can’t remember us playing against a team that good before. The movement and strength of the front two, the passing and tackling of the midfield, the composure of the centre halves. I think on most occasions they would beat us, but it is testament to how well we played that it took a single goal in extra time to get rid of us. If we had played poorly we would been eaten alive out there. Every Erris lad played with passion and determination, many gave career performances, and it was a pleasure to watch them. A full 12 months of football culminated in seeing Erris United step up in a national semi final give a performance that all involved can be very proud of. Big games are often settled on small details and this proved to be the case, (Still can’t believe how long it took for the ball to hit the post and come back out.) The other thing I wish to complement is our reaction at the end of the game. The referee’s whistle hadn’t fully rung out and Erris hands were being offered in congratulations, no petty sulking or bitter resentment. Just the uncomfortable acceptance that you had played hard and fair, done your best but had the misfortune to come up against someone that was better than you. Never any shame in that.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Wish to compliment Erris United as a team, club and community. It was a great pleasure to see such a large crowd conduct themselves with dignity without losing any of the passion for supporting ur team. Indeed like the previous comment there were no sour grapes, just best wishes from people who were proud that their team had performed (to a man) in a most admirable way. The team did not resort to underhand tactics, instead stuck at the task of resticting chances to a minimum and trying to snatch one at the other end (which so very nearly happened). You have made a lasting impression and have shown that football can still be played and supported passionately without dragging it down to the gutter. Thanks for the experience.
Yours in Sport
April 7th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Hard lines boys – am sure you’ll be back next year. You’ve done Erris proud and Michael S should write a song. I guess he probably already has!
April 9th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Not one bit surprised at your fantastic run. Watched proceedings up here in Meath and when at home in Blacksod. Ballymun are a highly rated outfit but Erris showed them that class is found in the West also. The hardest thing to do now is start all over. If this years hard work is to bear fruit down the line, Erris United will have to focus on getting back to the top again next season. I have no doubt that they will achieve this. You have been excellent ambassadors for all things that make Mayo people the decent people that they are.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Thank you very much John, we all loved your article in the Western People
April 9th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Can ya spot the odd one out.
April 9th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Christina Reilly says Tom (Dad), the only bald one!
April 12th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
WELL DONE LADS WERE ALL PROUD A YE