Castlebar Celtic start centenary celebrations a year early

THE 2023 soccer season in Mayo was undoubtedly defined by the commanding presence of Castlebar Celtic as they stormed through the Elverys Sports Super League with unprecedented dominance.

Closing the season with an impressive 50 points and an unbeaten record across all 18 games, Celtic etched their name in the annals of Mayo soccer history, delivering a truly memorable campaign for the club on the cusp of its centenary year.

At the helm of this success was Stevie Gavin, orchestrating a remarkable season for his team. The culmination of 18 games saw Castlebar Celtic standing tall, firmly clutching the Super League title. It was a season of not just victory but sheer domination, reminiscent of a powerhouse club at the pinnacle of its form.

The talismanic figures in this triumph were many, with players like Eoghan Hughes, Luke Kelly, and Stefen Hester solidifying their positions as pivotal members of the first team. Their consistent performances, coupled with the seasoned expertise of senior heads such as Jordan Loftus, Colm Nevin and Ioseph O’Reilly, provided the necessary balance and reliability that underpinned Castlebar Celtic's joyous journey to the title.

The transfer market also played a role in Celtic's success, with the acquisitions of Roscommon play-maker Dylan Edwards and Foxford native Johnny Cocozza proving to be masterstrokes. However, the looming absence of these key players in the upcoming season presents a challenge as the club gears up to defend its crown during its big birthday year.

A standout individual amidst the collective brilliance was Mark Cunningham, whose performances drew admiration and applause from spectators. Cunningham's poise, speed and playmaking ability from the full-back position were scintillating, but it was his mentality that truly set him apart.

His pursuit of perfection on the field mirrored the flawless campaign that saw Castlebar Celtic go unbeaten in the Super League, yet the lack of any cup victories left a notable gap in the club's trophy cabinet.

HEARTBREAK

The season, while glorious for Celtic, was not without its share of heartbreak. The Connaught Cup final brought about intense agony as the Hoops narrowly missed out on a precious win against Athenry.

Similarly, in the Calor Gas Super Cup, a semi-final defeat to rivals Ballina Town in Celtic Park proved to be a captivating contest, showcasing the best of Mayo soccer.

The absence of Cunningham in that encounter, with Johnny Cocozza filling in, allowed Ballina Town to exploit a makeshift full-back and secure a dramatic 88th-minute victory.

Raff Cretaro emerged as a key player for Ballina Town, scoring in the final and tallying the most assists (eight) throughout the season.

His passion and aggressive midfield play added an extra layer of excitement to the Mayo soccer landscape this season, with Jamie Cawley's late winner in the Super Cup semi-final becoming a defining moment for Ballina Town, who eventually went on to win the gong in suitably frenetic fashion against Westport United.

Castlebar Celtic's style of play drew comparisons to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, not only in their footballing philosophy but also in their depth and rotation options.

Hester, the goalie, could be dropped for James Robinson at any moment, and emerging youth players constantly fuelled speculation about the starting 11.

Amidst the rotation, one player stood as a consistent general – Ioseph O’Reilly. His presence, coolness on the ball and defensive prowess cemented him as one of the finest centre-halves in Mayo, contributing significantly to the team's invincibility.

Looking ahead to 2024, new challenges loom on the horizon. The resurgence of Snugboro FC introduces a new contender to the soccer scene, while the success of Celtic's B team in sealing League One, in addition to the Under 21s, showcases the club's comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy.

At the other end of the spectrum, Straide & Foxford United endured a forgettable season, finishing at the bottom of the Super League. However, the viral presence of their youthful Section O Ultras, with their flares, signs and songs, added a touch of colour and excitement to the home games.

Glenhest Rovers faced the harsh reality of relegation to the Premier League, and the loss of Cathal Chambers in the upcoming season will undoubtedly be felt. Nonetheless, young talents gaining valuable experience suggests that Glenhest Rovers might continue their role as Mayo soccer's yo-yo club in 2024.

Ballinrobe Town will prove to be a fascinating addition to the Super League next season, new boss Xavi Vaszquez comes with a serious pedigree.

Formerly with Galway United, Xavi will be pitting his wits against Danny Broderick of Claremorris, the Tuohy Cup winners, who are also set for a season back at the top table.

Whether anyone can knock Celtic off their perch is anyone's guess, but the quality of the promoted sides will present a danger to Crossmolina and Conn Rangers next season, if indeed they bring their poor end to last season into February and the start of the new campaign.

SUCCESS

On the provincial stage, a Kiltimagh Knock United team that enjoyed great success through the age grades in Mayo won the big prize in May, annexing the Under 18 Connaught Cup with victory over Mervue United in the final at Solar 21 Park, Milebush, Castlebar.

Two early goals by clinical striker David Smith ensured Kiltimagh Knock United of their victory, adding the provincial title to the league and cup double the team had won in 2022.

Also in May, five different age teams from Mayo travelled to Kilkenny for SFAI Inter-League finals.

The supremely gifted Under 16 girls faced Kerry in a cup decider, and goals from Kayla Doherty and Isobel Phillips saw Mayo run out 2-1 winners. It was no more than they deserved as they won every match they played in the competition up to and including the final.

Notably, nine of the squad had been part of the Under 12 Gaynor Cup-winning squad in 2019.

The Mayo Under 13 boys also claimed national glory in Kilkenny, winning the final against neighbours Galway by one goal to nil.

The only goal of the game arrived in the 10th minute after great play by Tony Cunningham and Conor Carey presented Mark Leonard with a chance that he duly converted.

After the game, the Liam Miller Cup was presented to Mayo captain Mattie Vahey, preceeding enormous celebrations. It was the first time that Mayo won the Under 13 SFAI Inter-League title.

There was no final joy for the Mayo Under 12, Under 13 or Under 15 girls teams in their respective finals.

The Under 12s lost to Waterford by a goal to nil in what turned out to be a very closely contested shield final between two very evenly matched sides.

The Under 15 also reached the shield final and again this proved to be another very tight affair. Opponents Carlow struck for what would prove to be the only goal of the game two minutes before half-time with a quality strike of the football.

Mayo threw everything at them in search of the equaliser in the second half but couldn't find an equaliser.

Finally, the Mayo Under 13s faced a very impressive MGL South (Dublin) in the bowl final, and the Metropolitans won out by three goals to nil. A disappointing end it may have been, but the campaign as a whole could be considered a positive one for the young squad.

A number of those Under 13s were called up to the Gaynor Cup squad and excelled during the June week in Limerick, where Mayo recovered from losing their three group games (to Wexford, Limerick District and Carlow & District) to win the trophy competition in fine style.

They beat Clare in the semi-final (4-1) and Inishowen in the final (3-0), and the Mayo captain on the day, Niamh Curran, received the trophy in front of her delighted team-mates and a sizeable Mayo following.

As things transpired, Mayo had been in an incredibly stong group, as demonstrated by Carlow & District winning the cup and Wexford claiming the shield. To have three of the four grades at the tournament won by teams in the same group shows the quality that the Mayo girls faced all week.

The inter-league competitions are up and running again for the 2023/24 season and while it may seem unlikely that Mayo could enjoy similar success to 2022/23, great work is being done at underage level and if major success doesn't come our way, it won't be for the want of trying.