Connacht Cup Final

Abbey United 0
Athenry 1

Despite a valiant effort, Sligo-Leitrim league kingpins Abbey United were beaten 1-0 by Galway side Athenry in a very competitive Connacht Cup final played at MacSharry Park last Sunday afternoon.
Abbey’s chances were dealt a blow before a ball was kicked as regular keeper Martin Ward was an absentee, meaning that striker Glen Shannon had to start in goals.
Athenry, the defending champions, started well and took the lead in the 13th minute. The ball came to Benny Lawless on the left and his well-struck shot from 25 yards flew in off both posts, giving Shannon no chance.
Abbey had a good opportunity to draw level with their best chance of the half in the 27th minute. Damien Scanlon swung in a corner from the left and the ball came across to Keith Carty, who headed narrowly over from inside the area.
A minute later, Athenry nearly scored a second as Jamie O’Driscoll’s cross from the right came to Vlasta Sadilek, but he shot wide from ten yards out.
They had another good chance five minutes into the second-half when O’Driscoll threaded the ball into Seamus Crowe, but Shannon was out quickly to save at his feet.
Shannon though injured his hamstring in that incident and had to come off to be replaced in goals by his brother Damien.
Abbey should have been on level terms in the 55th minute. Gareth Kelly won the ball inside the box and played it across goal to Carty. His effort beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by Emmet Byrne.
Kelly put the ball back across goal but Clive Somers was unable to make a clean connection and the ball was cleared to safety.
Two minutes later it was Athenry’s turn to go close. Sadilek made a good break down the right and played the ball across to Crowe, whose low drive hit the foot of the post.
Neal McKenna created a great chance for Abbey in the 70th minute. His long ball from the right put Gareth Kelly in on goal, but the normally prolific striker’s effort lacked power and was saved by the legs of Athenry keeper Kiernan Kilkelly.
Athenry then were reduced to ten in the 82nd minute. Crowe put Kieran Carr in on goal but he was denied by a good block from Shannon with the ball going behind for a corner.
Crowe kicked it away in frustration and duly received his second yellow.
Abbey dominated the closing stages and nearly got a late equaliser in the 93rd minute. Gary Rooney chipped in a free from the right, but John Gaffney headed wide at the back post.

Best for Abbey: Gary Rooney.
Abbey United: Glen Shannon (Damien Shannon 52), Neal McKenna, Paddy Conlon, Lee Marshall, John Gaffney, Clive Somers, Gareth Kelly, Gary Rooney, Keith Carty, Damien Scanlon (Stephen Coen 80), Andrew McLoughlin (Christopher Kelly 66).
Athenry: Kieran Kilkelly, Stephen Rabbitte, David Crimmins, Packie Byrne, Emmett Byrne, Gary Delaney, Paddy Quinn, Jamie O’Driscoll, Vlasta Sadilek (Kieran Carr 71), Seamus Crowe, Benny Lawless (Brian Costello 93).
Subs not used: Alan O’Donovan, Shane Gilhooley, Alan Lynch.