Manulla hold their own while Celtic march on

TYNAN'S TAKE

THERE is a bright future under manager Walter Barrett if Manulla’s FAI Junior Cup run is anything to go by.

They had a disappointing season in the Super League and at one stage, they were beginning to look nervously over their shoulder as they found themselves being dragged into a relegation battle.

Getting their best on the field has been a challenge, with Manulla hit hard by Balla GAA’s involvement in the Mayo senior club championship. But you got a glimpse of what they are capable of last Sunday in Carramore.

Many feared the worst when they were drawn against nine-time winners Fairview Rangers, and winners as recently as 2020. But as individuals and as a unit, Manulla produced one of their best performances of the year, Riain O’Connor a standout at centre-half.

They were caught at the end of the first-half with a penalty, and the game was killed off when Fairview hit Manulla on the counter as the hosts were applying sustained pressure. Manulla were rightly applauded off by their supporters and as Walter said, if he can keep these guys on board, they can have a good summer next season.

Only one team from Mayo remains standing, with Castlebar Celtic seeing off St. Canice’s in Celtic Park. While the Kilkenny outfit play in the second tier of the Kilkenny District League, any team who reaches the national stages of this competition deserves respect. Quick starts to each half proved the difference but Canice’s had their own opportunities and could be considered unfortunate they didn’t convert one of them.

It was quick turnaround for Hoops, seven days after their mammoth Super Cup final win and perhaps the physical and mental excursions from that game took its toll. It’s a case of job done and manager Stevie Gavin said after the win there is room for improvement in this side. Considering they are on a 14-game unbeaten run and playing some scintillating football in the process, that’s a worry for the rest.