What a weekend of sport….. soccer, hurling & rugby…. To begin on Saturday a severely depleted reserve side lost 3-0 to a much stronger Athenry outfit while a hugely depleted B team started with 9 players as late arrivals Sean Walsh & Padraig Quirke made up the brave 11 to face Tuam side Kilshanvey away. Kilshanvey were 1-0 up on 5mins but a Bailey header made it 1-1 ten mins later when he powerfully headed home a Sean Walsh cross. There was little more to shout about in the first half as chances were few. Colemanstown re-started the second half well as the injured Niall Cunningham intercepted a short kick out from the Kilshanvey keeper and finished superbly with just the keeper to beat. In fairness, he put in a significant and very efficient shift playing through an injury for the duration of the game. Kilshanvey equalised 20mins later as their striker ran on to a long ball over the top which left stand in keeper Adrian Burke with no chance. 5 mins later Kilshanvey killed off our bravery as somehow a player got a boot to the ball in a goalmouth scramble from an ensuing corner and turned the screw in the last kick of the game when again they finished well with only the keeper to beat. Huge credit to these 11 lads who kept the flag flying for us and didn’t look one bit under pressure even though there were no fresh legs to introduce. A Burke, M Walsh, B Forde, D Mannion, G Broderick, A Zavalas, S Bailey, P Quirke, T Loftus, S Walsh & N Cunningham. Next weekend ‘B’ team play Athenry at home in the league at 2pm.
This Sunday morning another hugely depleted ‘A’ side took on Tuam Celtic in Tuam. Many of the squads dual players were playing their part for Pearses hurlers who unfortunately lost out to neighbours Sarsfields in the quarter final of the hurling while with other players away in Cardiff and a few injuries this was always going to be a massive affair. But manager Gerry Moran certainly went home with another feather in his cap with a hugely deserved 0-0 draw. Credit to the players who were available for this nip & tuck encounter as there was plenty of experimentation on view. Junior in goals capably dealt with everything that came his way. Veteran Garry O’Grady was exceptional in defense and assisted in the back by Alan Finn & Johnny Lally while Ronan Carr worked tirelessly on his first start for the A team. On the left Ronan Geraghty added plenty of momentum. Although at midfield Ray Moran & Niall Gelston added much to the attacking formation of Conor Feeney, Paddy Mullins & Squelchy. Shane Lawless also played an important role in the last 10mins while Kenny Duane & Chris Sheridan were also available to be called on, if required. Next week, A team play NUIG at home in the league, KO 11am. Reserves play Galway Bohs in Renmore on Saturday at 2pm while on Friday evening the U14’s play Salthill Devon under lights in Drom at 7.30pm.