Loftus emerges the cup final hero in Milebush Park

CASTLEBAR Celtic have been crowned 2016 Connacht Gold Super Cup champions thanks to their 4-2 victory over Ballyglass at Milebush Park this afternoon.

In a game high on drama, Celtic claimed the silverware largely thanks to Jordan Loftus, who found the net four times.

He had completed his hat trick five minutes before the break, and was unlucky not to have a fourth in the first half as Jaunius Mockus cleared off the line late on.

Jose Sola was also giving the Ballyglass rearguard some headaches, while things just weren't going the way of J.P. O'Gorman, Liam Hughes or Conor Heneghan at the other end.

Ballyglass did pull one back on 68 minutes when Hughes tapped into the net after Celtic goalkeeper Mark Benson was forced to parry Heneghan's volley, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed just a couple of minutes later when Loftus drilled home to make it 4-1.

The game was gone from Ballyglass but, commendably, they continued to work hard and Hughes scored in the final minute to put a more respectable look on the scoreboard.

“I couldn't be happier for everyone that's been involved with the club this year, from the players, all the staff that have helped me out, and the committee have also been superb,” said jubilant Celtic manager Ciaran Kelly after the full-time whistle.

Meanwhile, Ballina Town ensured that Mayo will have one club involved in the FAI Junior Cup in the new year when they accounted for Deen Celtic 6-2 in Belleek Park, Jamie Cawley with three goals, Aidan O'Hora with two and Dylan McKee with one. Ballina will play Boyle Celtic at home in the next round.