Galway Premier League 2007/08

[west awake]

al,just to let u know alan ryan is in australia,so can't really see him influencing the hibs mervue game on sunday,my prediction is a draw,i think blues will beat salthill in the connacht,athenry won't have it all there own way up in foxford,but should advance,pats i think have a chance if they play corduff in caherlistrane,but if not u would have 2 fancy corduff,west hopefully will do the business,but it depends on which west team turns up,watched them all season,they have been brilliant in alot of games and unbelievably bad in others,if they play well i'd expect them 2 go through!

[duffbeer]

al,just to let u know alan ryan is in australia,so can't really see him influencing the hibs mervue game on sunday,my prediction is a draw,i think blues will beat salthill in the connacht,athenry won't have it all there own way up in foxford,but should advance,pats i think have a chance if they play corduff in caherlistrane,but if not u would have 2 fancy corduff,west hopefully will do the business,but it depends on which west team turns up,watched them all season,they have been brilliant in alot of games and unbelievably bad in others,if they play well i'd expect them 2 go through!


The game I understand is to be played in Drom, at Salthhill's pitch.

Looking forward to seeing that set-up, I believe its even better than Malahides set-up.

[Gaillimh Al]

Cheers for the update on Ryan, was wondering alright why he wasn't involved with the Town team. There was a lot of rain yesterday, but forecast for today to be cloudy with maybe just a few showers. Hopefully the big games will go ahead.

[Gaillimh Al]

Hibs did manage to keep up the pressure with a narrow 1-0 win over Mervue, Keith McHugh getting the vital goal. With half their games played Mervue are only 2 points off relegation. The term "too good to go down" springs to mind, but if they don't beat the teams below them it could be an embarressing climax to the season for a club entering the Eircom League "A" Division.

Athenry marched on in the Connacht Cup, while Colga overturned last weeks result when beating Renmore 4-2 away. Salthill-Blues and Rangers game were both called off.

Both Galway teams exited the FAI Junior Cup. West went out via a sudden death penalty shoot out loss to Douglas Hall following a scoreless 110 minutes. St Patricks also exited as they lost 2-1 to Corduff Utd up in Drom.

Performance of the week goes to Medtronic, a side who were playing Saturday football last season. Following a heavy 9-2 Cup defeat by Knocknacarra last week, they bounced back to beat the same opponents 1-0 in the Connacht Cup and earn a place in the last 16.

[Gaillimh Al]

No games in the Premier League this week as the Oscar Traynor side entertain the Inishowen League on Saturday night at Terryland (Weather permitting). A win will guarantee Galway a home tie in the last 16.

[Gaillimh Al]

Result: Galway 0-1 Inishowen

Report to follow

[Gaillimh Al]

Report here :http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Bb815K0tY1f2&PBID=8f03b48a-7f66-4471-bcce-b85b77dae5d9 Page 35.

Athenry take on Renmore in the only Premier League game of the weekend. Renmore have started to find some form of late, but it would be hard to see them getting anything from this game.

The majority of the sides in the league are in Connacht Cup action tomorrow with Blues v Devon the only all-Premier tie.

[gufcfan]

Lads are Moyville Celtic from Galway???

Mayo League I think

[Terry]

I thought it was donegal?

[Larks]

moyville are in the inishowen league in donegal.

[Larks]

Salthill narrowly beat Corrib rangers 1-0 with a late winner and Renmore pulled out a good result when they were unlucky not to win after leading against West Utd.
No action in the premier league this weekend as the Oscar traynor team take on Roscommon in Roscommon.

[Gaillimh Al]

Sorry, but Renmore were far from unlucky. They may have been ahead with time running out, but how West hadn't scored at least 5 by that stage is anyone's guess. It'll be a real scrap between Colga, Kiltullagh and Renmore to avoid the drop.

Athenry also lost 1-0 away to Dynamo Blues, offering hope to both Hibs and Salthill Devon that they can be caught. Athenry face a tricky run-in and it may yet be a very interesting end to the season.

[renovater]

For what its worth, Salthill Devon U-16 Will travel to play Ballyheane in the Connaught Cup Q/F @ Patrick Quigley Park on Sunday 24th Feb K.O.2pm
Should be a good game.

[Larks]

Sorry, but Renmore were far from unlucky. They may have been ahead with time running out, but how West hadn't scored at least 5 by that stage is anyone's guess. It'll be a real scrap between Colga, Kiltullagh and Renmore to avoid the drop.

Athenry also lost 1-0 away to Dynamo Blues, offering hope to both Hibs and Salthill Devon that they can be caught. Athenry face a tricky run-in and it may yet be a very interesting end to the season.

I wasnt at the Renmore West game and was just going on report in the paper that said west had to battle for a late equaliser, so apologies.
Looks like Hibs have the best chance now of catching Athenry although you would feel that they have to win nearly all or even all of their remaining games. Same goes for Salthill if they are to stand a chance.
I still think Athenry will win it but at least it's not a done deal at this stage of the season because it looked as though that could have been the case a couple of weeks ago.

[west awake]

Sorry, but Renmore were far from unlucky. They may have been ahead with time running out, but how West hadn't scored at least 5 by that stage is anyone's guess. It'll be a real scrap between Colga, Kiltullagh and Renmore to avoid the drop.

Athenry also lost 1-0 away to Dynamo Blues, offering hope to both Hibs and Salthill Devon that they can be caught. Athenry face a tricky run-in and it may yet be a very interesting end to the season.al u are dead right about the west game,how mike rafferty is let report on games is anyone's guess,he stated west were lucky against an understrenght renmore,thats why renmore are bottom they have struggled all season 4 numbers,he failed 2 mention that west were without darren roache(keeper)sub keeper let in 2 absolute howlers even though he's normall reliable,no dara o neill,mathias o malley,niall mcdonagh,vinny o connor,paul murphy,thats 6 lads who played up in terryland against douglas hall in the irish cup,but no mention of an understrenght west,renmore had 1 shot on target in the whole game,there 2nd goal was a back pass from the half way line that went under the goalkeepers foot and into the net,west missed chance after chance in what was the most one sided game i've seen in many a day and only have themselves 2 blame 4 not winnin,but 2 state renmore were unlucky in match report 4 the sentinel was an absolute joke,just a little footnote referee ger cahill blew the game up on 42 minutes after west equalised,he booked 2 renmore players 4 time wasting yet he plays no injury time,he did even finish the regulation time 2 be honest and it's not sour grapes,i timed the match and when west scored someone asked me what was left,there was 4 minutes and he blew it up nearly straight away,baffling 2 say the least!

[Gaillimh Al]

In fairness to Mike, he wasn't at the game and is relying on whoever he rang to let him know how it went. As for the time, if there were four miutes after the goal, he played that. Ye created a few chances to win it, Burke missed a great chance and your left-full should have been arrested for assaulting Alex Lee. But sure that's the way it goes.

[Gaillimh Al]

Following Dynamo Blues 3-0 demolition of Mervue last weekend, the league looks a little more interesting heading into the final stretch.
Athenry still hold a 7 point lead but Hibs, Salthill and now even Blues are within touching distance with games in hand. Athenry face all the top sides in the run-in, so it could get exciting if either of the other temas can step up to the challenge.
This weekend the three teams at the bottom face away games with Colga taking on West Utd at South Park. West will be on a high following a fantastic away win over Westport in the Conncht Cup.
Renmore travel to Tuam to face Dynamo Blues and Kiltullagh head for Mervue to play a game, which if Mervue lose, will see them dragged into a relegation battle.

[Billynose]

What's actually going on with promotion/relegation?

With Mervue and Salthill Devon going up to the Eircom A League this potentially leaves two new slots in the premier league. Will Salthills B team take their A teams place? Division 3 to premier seems like a bit of a leap. Mervue B stand a good chance of promotion to the premier league anyway. Could end up with a situation where no teams are relegated from the premier division.

[Gaillimh Al]

To be honest I don't think anyone knows for sure. However I don't think because these sides are entering the A league means their Junior A teams will be disbanded. I think they will be a separate entity, with a new squad, and having seen both junior sides in action, it would surprise me if there were more than 5 or 6 off each team who made the grade. Saw Johnny Glynn down at a recent Town team game so I would imagine they will be searching far and wide for the best of the rest. And then there's the underage talent coming through.
It will be interesting though to see how they cope.

[Billynose]

I would of assumed majority of the underage talent would go into the under 20s teams required by both of these clubs as part of entering the A championship or do i have that all wrong?

[Gaillimh Al]

Your not wrong but I'd say the best of those players will play in the A league as well. Plus the U-20 league will not start till September.

[galwayhoop]

Renmore travel to Tuam to face Dynamo Blues and Kiltullagh head for Mervue to play a game, which if Mervue lose, will see them dragged into a relegation battle.

What if Mervue were relegated and the B's won the first division to gain promotion, Mervue A in the first division and Mervue B in the Premier!!!!

[Gaillimh Al]

Mervue A will not be involved in a relegation battle, having trounced Kiltullagh 5-1 last weekend, leaving the Pioneers in a 3-way struggle with Colga and Renmore.

The Galway Oscar Traynor side takes on Wexford in Terryland Park on Saturday at 1pm. This last 16 clash is a repeat of the semi-final of 2 years ago, which Galway won comfortably 6-2. A lot of that Wexford side has since moved onto LOI action with Wexford Youths, and Galway also have a number of new faces since that campaign where they eventually lost the final to Waterford. Rumours emerged after that semi that a number of the Wexford squad had ovedrindulged heavily the night before in the city, so the timing of this game could not be better for them as they arrive in Galway on Good Friday. Temptation spared, they will be looking for revenge, having scraped through their group with an injury-time goal putting them in the next stages on goal difference.
Galway have a decent squad, but have yet to produce a performance of note. The home defeat to Inishowen was a setback, but the Northeners have since gone on to beat the LSL in Round 2, so a 1-0 loss with only 10 men for an hour cannot be judged so harshly now. Hopefully the Terryland surface can withstand the recent spate of rain and games as Galway lack a physical prescence up front should they need to turn to the aerial ball.

Prediction 2-1 Galway

[Gaillimh Al]

Final score 2-1 to Wexford

2 headers in the 2nd half won the game for them, the winner coming 4 minutes from time. Thoroughly deserved win.

[Gaillimh Al]

A return to league action for some, while Hibs and Mervue will be trying to join Athenry in the semi-finals of the Connacht Cup.

Salthill make the trip across town to take on Renmore, with Devon needing a win to keep their faint title hopes alive. Renmore will probably take a draw, such is their current plight, but I wouldn't hold out much hope of that.
Colga travel to the westside fo face a Rangers side with little to play for. This might be where the Clarinbridge men pick up a vital three points in their bid to stay up.
In the other game, West are away to Blues, who have slumped dramatically in recent weeks and will be hoping to maintain their 4th place.

Hibs entertain a talented Abbey Utd side from Sligo in the quarter final of the Connact Cup on Sunday. With the Bohermore pitch having seen better days, this may turn into a right battle, with extra-time and penalties not out of the running.

Then we come to Mervue. Down to play Manor Rangers in the outstanding last 16 tie on Sunday, it has recently come to light that their new 'A' division team are also pencilled in for an FAI Senior Cup tie with Lissadell Utd on Sunday. Both ties are fixed for Mervue, and as this new squad has not yet been announced, will they be able to fulfill both fixtures? Undoubtably some of the junior squad will be making the step up, but will be ruled ineiligible for local action should they take part in the FAI Cup. Unless their are announcements prior to the games, Fahy's Field should be an interesting venue come 2pm on Sunday.

[west awake]

A return to league action for some, while Hibs and Mervue will be trying to join Athenry in the semi-finals of the Connacht Cup.

Salthill make the trip across town to take on Renmore, with Devon needing a win to keep their faint title hopes alive. Renmore will probably take a draw, such is their current plight, but I wouldn't hold out much hope of that.
Colga travel to the westside fo face a Rangers side with little to play for. This might be where the Clarinbridge men pick up a vital three points in their bid to stay up.
In the other game, West are away to Blues, who have slumped dramatically in recent weeks and will be hoping to maintain their 4th place.

Hibs entertain a talented Abbey Utd side from Sligo in the quarter final of the Connact Cup on Sunday. With the Bohermore pitch having seen better days, this may turn into a right battle, with extra-time and penalties not out of the running.

Then we come to Mervue. Down to play Manor Rangers in the outstanding last 16 tie on Sunday, it has recently come to light that their new 'A' division team are also pencilled in for an FAI Senior Cup tie with Lissadell Utd on Sunday. Both ties are fixed for Mervue, and as this new squad has not yet been announced, will they be able to fulfill both fixtures? Undoubtably some of the junior squad will be making the step up, but will be ruled ineiligible for local action should they take part in the FAI Cup. Unless their are announcements prior to the games, Fahy's Field should be an interesting venue come 2pm on Sunday.mervue won't be fielding on sunday in the intermediate cup al,thats the rumour i heard from a very good source.they should get revenge on manor by beating them in the connacht cup on sunday,but they'll only be in the quater finals,where they'll be away 2 west,abbey and hibs will be a tough 1,i think abbey may spring a mild surprise,in league action salthill will easily beat renmore,rangers will beat colga in westside and west should be 2 strong for blues having already beaten then twice this season,once in the league and the other in the irish cup.

[Gaillimh Al]

- "in the outstanding last 16 tie"
- It's not the intermediate cup, it's the preliminary round of the League of Ireland Senior Cup, and I don't think the FAI will look too kindly on a team they've just invited into the A championship pulling out of their first fixture. But we'll see.

[red metal]

With the Bohermore pitch having seen better days,

Sunday.

Is the pitch in bad shape?

[Gaillimh Al]

Is the pitch in bad shape?

There was a game on it 2 weeks ago and it was quite bad in patches. Like bog.
But might have improved since then.

[red metal]

There was a game on it 2 weeks ago and it was quite bad in patches. Like bog.
But might have improved since then.

Cheers bro! we are looking forward to game on sunday.We have a full squad for the game we were blessed the last time we played Hibs.We won 1 nil but in fairness they kick us into the goals and they had a pen turn down.

[Gaillimh Al]

In an embarrassing turn of events, Mervue Utd have been forced to withdraw from the FAI Ford Cup as a result of a clash with their junior team's Connacht Cup clash with Manor Rangers.

[Gaillimh Al]

No games took place in the Premier League, so with the bright evenings upon us, the games will now come thick and fast.

Both Mervue and Hibs exited the Connacht Cup, Mervue losing out in extra time while Hibs were on the wrong end of a 5-1 hiding. How this will affect them as they prepare for a crucual tie with Salthill Devon is anybody's guess.

Just a quick word on some juvenile clubs still involved in National competitions:

U-13: Salthill are in semis where they could possibly meet Corofin if they overcome St Francis next weekend
U-14: Salthill await the winners of Belvedere and Crumlin in the semis.
U-15: Salthill won their quarter final this weekend and are away in the semis
U-16: Mervue Utd face Charleville in quarter final action this coming weekend.
Youths: Salthill face Wexford Youths in their semi next weekend.

Hopefully one or more of these prestigious trophies can be brought back to Galway.

[Larks]

Sundays fixtures are as follows
West Utd -v- Colga South Park
Salthill Devon -v- Galway Hibs Drom
Renmore -v- Corrib Rangers Renmore


If Hibs win tomorrow against Salthill they'll be in a very strong position for the league. Two points ahead of Athenry with Athenry still to play. Salthill need to win, however, if they wish to stay in contention at all.
In the other games West and Corrib Rangers are in no trouble of relegation but don't look like they're going to pressure the top teams but they'll still be hungry not to lose against the struggling sides. Renmore and Colga are desperate for some points however and every one will count for them at this stage of the season

PREDICTIONS:
Salthill win
Corrib Rangers win
West to draw with Colga

[Larks]

Salthill Devon 4 1 Galway Hibs Drom
Renmore 0 4 Corrib Rangers Renmore

Does anyone know if the west colga game was played, can't find the result on galwayfa?

[west awake]

west won 4-1 after going behind in the 1st couple of minutes,could of been alot more,colga keeper was excellent.

[Larks]

Galway Hibs Colga Bohermore 10/04/2008 18:30
Kiltullagh West Utd Kiltullagh 10/04/2008 18:30
Mervue Utd Salthill Devon Mervue 10/04/2008 18:30


Above are the matches to be played tomorrow night.
Hibs need to beat Colga to go top of the league, but Athenry will have a game in hand. Colga will be looking for an upset to pull themselves away from the bottom two, as will Kiltullagh against West. Mervue don't have that much to play for in that they wont be relegated or come near the top of the table, but that won't take anything away from this game against their city rivals Salthill. Salthill need a victory to take into what could prove to be a crucial game against Athenry.

[west awake]

as far as i'm aware west are supposedly giving kiltullagh a walkover,they requested a postponement off the galway fa,citing that there was no possible way they could have a team on the pitch for a 6.30 ko time,as kiltullagh is 15 minutes past athenry,with players just finished work at 5.30,how are they expected to get to kiltullagh in time for a 6.30 ko,when it takes 35-40 min to make it there on a sunday morning with no traffic,it will take at least an hour to get across town with rush hour traffic,if west don't field.i really feel sorry for colga and renmore as them two will be badly affected by it in the relegation fight!

[Larks]

That's terrible really. Not by any of the clubs but the galway fa. Whoever made the fixtures has really messed up.

[smellyfeet]

Just reading yer last few posts. Its a joke when fixtures like this are given out. Few years ago we Newtown "Shannon" had a fixture away in the league to Mount Shannon @ 6.15 KO. Its at least an hour away from us on a Sunday morning never mind the traffic on a week day. We went up there and only had 10 men. They beat us 3-0. The worst thing is that Rinneana Rovers who are 5 minuites outside Shannon had no game and we still have to play them in the league. Just doesn't make sense.

[west awake]

Galway Hibs Colga Bohermore 10/04/2008 18:30
Kiltullagh West Utd Kiltullagh 10/04/2008 18:30
Mervue Utd Salthill Devon Mervue 10/04/2008 18:30

galway hibs and colga finished in a 2-2 draw,2 bad points dropped for hibs,west did field against kiltullagh all be it with a weakened team and came away with a 2-0 win,mervue defeated salthill 1-0,a great night for athenry as there two closest challengers dropped points!

[Gaillimh Al]

Athenry defeated Corrib Rangers 5-1 last night at home. This moves them three points clear.

Mervue playing Renmore tonight, and Colga face Kiltullagh in a real six-pointer. A win for either side may be enough to keep them up.

West could kill off Hibs title challenge on Sunday, and will be keen to avenge the 3-2 loss earlier in the year.
Athenry's next challenge is an away fixture with Mervue next Wednesday.

[Gaillimh Al]

Mervue Utd 2-0 Renmore
Colga 4-2 Kiltullagh

Mervue B 1-2 West Utd (Michael Byrne Cup)

Colga climb above the other two in the relegation fight.

Colga 15 played 11 points
Renmore 16 played 8 points
Kiltullagh 16 played 7 points

Games left
Colga v Corrib Rangers(a)/v Dynamo Blues(h)/v Mervue Utd(a)
Renmore play Kiltullagh at home then:
Renmore v Salthill(h) and Kiltullagh v Dynamo Blues(a)

Can't see the bottom 2 escaping the drop.

[Gaillimh Al]

West beat Hibs 3-1 this morning to virtually assure that Athenry will retain their title. Athenry now need only 2 wins from their remaining 4 games to ensure they keep the title.

Theoretically the title could go to any one of 4 clubs, as Athenry play Mervue, Salthill, Hibs and West. West could be the dark horse to spring out of the pack. If they win their remaining 4 games they could do it, but I feel Athenry will have enough to grab the six points they need.

Athenry did relinquish one Cup over the weekend, as Colemanstown dumped them out of the Michael Byrne Cup. What sort of a team Athenry had out is unknown, but it is still a fine scalp for the Division 1 side.

[Gaillimh Al]

Tonight Mervue face Athenry as West have to travel out to Tuam on a weeknight to play Dynamo Blues.

Wins for Mervue and West would make the league climax very interesting. Even if Mervue could get a point, it might slow the Champion's march.

A while back I mentoned the juvenile teams who were gunning for national honours. At present, only Salthill's under-15 side have progressed to the final where they will again face St Kevin's Boys in a repeat of last year's U-14 final.
The rest have bowed out, while Mervue's U-16s have yet to play their semi.

On the local front, a word of congrats must go to East Utd, a ralatively new club from the Castlepark area of the city, who won their first ever trophy last night in Terryland. Their U-18 team captured the First Division Cup on a 1-0 scoreline, and hopefully the good work being put in by all involved at the club will continue to bear fruit.

[Raheen]

Athenry did relinquish one Cup over the weekend, as Colemanstown dumped them out of the Michael Byrne Cup. What sort of a team Athenry had out is unknown, but it is still a fine scalp for the Division 1 side.


Athenry took their eye off the ball a little and fielded a weakened side. They lack the depth of last year due to deflections to GUFC A and were hit by a sucker punch towards the end.

Never a good thing in a derby game but still leaves them in good shape for tonight and on target for a Connacht Cup and League Double.

[Athenryboy]

west beat dynamo blues last night 4-2 in tuam with a simon murray hat trick and a john cotter goal,good win for west but there's no catching athenry hopefully, who were 3-1 winners over mervue in mervue last night,they only need 4 points from there remaining 3 games to retain the title.

Well done to Athenry on another great result in Mervue.

Athenry 15 11 2 2 45 13 32 35
Galway Hibs 15 9 4 2 33 22 11 29
Salthill Devon 15 8 4 3 32 18 14 27
West Utd 14 7 2 5 29 15 14 26
Corrib Rangers 15 7 5 3 30 24 6 24
Mervue Utd 16 7 8 1 24 26 -2 22
Dynamo Blues 14 6 5 3 16 21 -5 21
Colga 16 2 9 5 20 41 -21 11
Renmore 16 3 11 2 14 43 -29 8
Kiltullagh 16 1 11 4 15 35 -20 7

[west awake]

Athenry 15 11 2 2 45 13 32 35
West Utd 15 8 2 5 33 17 16 29
Galway Hibs 15 9 4 2 33 22 11 29
Salthill Devon 15 8 4 3 32 18 14 27
Corrib Rangers 15 7 5 3 30 24 6 24
Mervue Utd 16 7 8 1 24 26 -2 22
Dynamo Blues 15 6 6 3 18 25 -7 21
Colga 16 2 9 5 20 41 -21 11
Renmore 16 3 11 2 14 43 -29 8
Kiltullagh 16 1 11 4 15 35 -20 7

the table is fully updated now,athenry are home to hibs next thurs night,then home to west sunday week,it's there's to lose now,but if west can beat them,they will have a nervous last game against salthill in drum,you can't rule out hibs either,if they can beat athenry next thursday,they will be back in it with a squeak,but all in all it's hard to see athenry been caught.

[Gaillimh Al]

Athenry are almost certainly going to be crowned Galway champions once more. Having beaten Hibs 4-1 they seem to be hitting form at just the right time.
West Utd will have to win all 3 of their remaining games(including one v Athenry) and hope Athenry also get beaten by Salthill Devon to force a play off.
Hardly likely.
Squeaky bum time on Sunday morning for Renmore and Colga. On the same points, Renmore face Salthill while Colga take on Dynamo Blues in Mervue. Mobile phone use between the two venues no doubt will be frantic, but a play-off to avoid the last relegation slot looks the most likely outcome.

[end123]

salthill beat renmore 2 1 last nite in renmores last game of the season so colga need just a point from their remaining game on sunday v dynamo blues.

[Gaillimh Al]

:mad: Just goes to show how much regard the GAlway FA have for people who want to see these games. Was, and still is, on their website as being down for Sunday morning. Have heard that Renmore had requested a free weekend this weekend so that is why it was changed.
Can still see Blues beating Colga to set up a play off between the 2.