Celtic Edged out of Connacht Cup

Boyle Celtic are out of this seasons Connacht Cup, after being edged out by Ballinasloe Town in a very tight contest. Just one goal seperated the sides and so few were the clear-cut chances throughout, that one goal was always going to decide it. It was ironic that just before the Ballinasloe goal, Celtic produced the move of the game and James Carty came within a hairs breadth of heading home Lee McKillens perfect cross. Disappointment on the day but much to look forward to, from this young team.
The first 35 minutes were controlled by Boyle Celtic but they could not create a scoreable chance in front of goal. To Ballinasloe’s credit they were well organised and looked comfortable under the pressure that Boyle were exerting. With 5 minutes remaining of the first half, the turning point of the game, from Boyles point of view, came along as freakish as i’ve ever seen. The very influential Killian Conboy, collected a ball on the edge of the box, layed it off and turned to continue the move towards the Ballinasloe goal. Under no pressure and without any challenge he crumpled in a heap, clutching his upper arm which we later learned had gone into spasm. Some time later, after a bit of oxygen, he relaxed and the arm returned to normal. Thankfully he is fine.
The incident however, proved both disturbing and distracting for the Boyle lads. They never recovered their composure or concentration after that and it was Ballinasloe who produced the better football in the second half. Somewhat against the run of play, Celtic got McKillen free down the right and his pin-point cross was missed by the narrowest of margins by young Carty, flying in at the back post. What seemed like seconds later, Ballinasloe got a very dubious free-kick and it was headed home at the front post. Celtic were a goal down.
Boyle tried heroically, to a man, to regain parity but Ballinasloes defence stood firm. The game fizzled out as a spectacle towards the end with Ballinasloe camping in their own box and Boyle Celtic unable to create an opening to take the game into extra time. It was a good experience however for the young players in the Boyle ranks.
Next Sunday Boyle are away to Strand Celtic @ 11am in the Super League.

Team: Alan Duffy, Colm Brennan, Mick McHale, Noel McKenna, Owen O Donohoe, Brian McCrann, Killian Conboy, John Connolly, Lee McKillen, Michael Corrigan, James Carty. With: Martin Mullen, Johnny Dwyer, Sean Duignan

Dwyer Wonder goal seals Valentines Day Massacre! 14/02/10

Johnny Dwyer served up a valentines day cracker as Boyle Celtic ran out easy winners against Arrow Harps from Riverstown. The final score was 5 nil but for most of the second half it was all too easy for Boyle and in truth they should have added more goals. Arrow Harps were missing several key players but put up a spirited display in the first half. The chances began to flow in the second half however and as Harps lost faith, Celtic pushed on for a bloodless victory.

A fine header from Noel McKenna early in the first half looked set to open the floodgates for Boyle but a resolute Harps defence kept them out until the break. Celtic had been applying lots of early pressure and when Harps failed to clear a corner, McKenna powered home. Arrow Harps to their credit settled in after the goal and held Celtic at bay. They also created a few chances themselves and Chris Casey had to save smartly when a long range shot almost dipped under his crossbar.

The second half was dominated by Boyle Celtic and the crucial second goal came early when Michael Corrigan was upended in the box. Brian McCrann made no mistake from the spot. James Carty was introduced on 60 minutes and soon helped himself to a pair of excellent goals. Good passing in the build-up of both and young Carty in the right place to provide the cool finish. The fifth goal proved to be the icing on the cake and what a goal it was. Under 18 starlet Johhny Dwyer, taking down a Duffy garryowen on the edge of the box and drilling a volley straight to the top corner. The stewards had a huge task to contain the crowd and stop them encroaching onto the pitch. Dwyer as is his style, calmly acknowledged the support and got back to playing. Final Score: Boyle Celtic 5 – Arrow Harps 0.
Next Sunday Boyle are away to Ballinasloe in the Connacht Cup last 16, before a return to league action on Sunday 28th February.

Team: Chris Casey, Colm Brennan, Alan Duffy, Noel McKenna, Paul Flanagan, Owen O Donohoe, Brian McCrann, Killian Conboy, John Connolly, Lee McKillen, Michael Corrigan. With: Martin Mullen, Johnny Dwyer, Karl Kelly, Aaron Calpin, Michael McHale, James Carty
Referee: Paul Kilcoyne