The U14 Division 1 team continued their rapid progress as they recorded a superb 1-0 victory over Mervue Utd in Drom under lights on Tuesday night. The development of this group, under the tutelage of star players who have all come through the club’s academy, James Whelan, Enda Cullen and Shane O Grady, has been remarkable with Eric Diarra scoring the all-important goal on the night. Well done to all involved.
The big game of the weekend sees Mark Brady and Bogdan Matei’s U16 Boys head south to face top Cork outfit, Douglas Hall, in the quarter-final of the SFAI Sketchers Cup. The boys section of the club have not reached this stage of the competition for many years and it is hoped a large contingent will travel south to support the squad as they bid for victory which will give them a home semi-final.
They warmed up for this fixture by advancing to the semi-final of the Galway Cup as they eventually proved too strong for a gallant Barna Utd team as they ran out 5-0 winners.
Mark Krynicki and Posh Fadden’s Junior Premier league team suffered a heart breaking 3-2 loss at home to fellow relegation threatened Corrib Celtic on Friday night. After a scoreless first half in Drom both teams attacked at will and the game was destined to end in a 2-2 draw until the Annaghdown side forced a last minute winner.
Donnacha Martyn and Martin Taylor’s U14s were defeated by a strong AC Celtic on a 4-1 shoreline in the quarter final of the Connacht Cup. Jay Martyn was the Devon goalscorer. The same management duo of Taylor and Martyn saw the U15 Division 2 team secure a 3-1 league win away to Cregmore/Claregalway to keep them in pursuit of the leaders at the top of the table.
Pat Lawless’s U14 Girls overcame Moyne Villa in a sun drenched Drom on Sunday afternoon. The Headford girls fought bravely throughout and proved difficult for the Devonettes to break down, however the home side’s class eventually told as they ran out 5-0 winners. Goal scorers for Salthill were Emily Fitzgerald (2), Caoimhe NicAodha, Soirse Burke and Alex Sheppard as the girls continued their impressive start to the season.
Martin O Neill was the special guest of Salthill Devon as he officially launched the Salthill Devon Supporters Club and Drom Rejuvenation Project. There was a large crowd in attendance at the Salthill Hotel where the Republic of Ireland manager was joined by local counsellors including City Mayor, Cllr Pearse Flannery and Club Chairperson, Rob Meehan, as they addressed the crowd and the club unveiled plans for the extensive renovation of its playing facilities at Drom Soccer Park. It involves a reconfiguration of the current all-weather playing surfaces to include a high quality full sized 4G all weather surface. Work is due to begin shortly and the club look forward to providing these enhanced facilities for its existing and future members. However, the club are relying upon existing and past members along with the business community to join the Supporters Club so that works can begin immediately. There are various methods in which people can donate and there are tax incentives for the club and individual or company in doing so. Please contact Donagh Morahan on 087 7391258 or donaghmorahan@gmail.com if you would like to sign up or find out more.
Training for the academy resumes next Saturday March 24th from 9:30am while the boys and girls will once again participate in the St Patricks Day parade in Galway City tomorrow. New players welcome. Contact 091 861862 for further details.
