Connolly continue impressive run

Connolly Celtic     2       Avenue United A        1
Newly promoted Connolly Celtic have certainly settled in well in the Premier Division and are proving their rise up the ranks has not been a flash in the pan, if their latest win is an accurate indicator.

At the County Grounds in Doora on Sunday they defeated Avenue United to capture the Premier Division League Cup. This victory coupled with performances in the Munster Junior Cup so far this season has certainly promised a bright season for the club.

Avenue United went into Sunday’s game as favourites but it was first blood to Connolly, who took the lead after eight minutes, Kenneth Kennedy scoring from 18 yards with a crisp right foot to the back of the net.
Avenue were back on level terms by the 15th minute; Mikey Mahoney found space out on the left and with the Connolly defence slow to react, he fired across goal to find the right corner of the net.

Seven minutes later Mahoney opened up the winners’ defence, this time on the right, but his good low cross was weakly hit by Scott Hennessy and the Connolly keeper Quinn was able to make the save.

The losers were dealt a blow when the influential Colin had to retire due to  injury. Connolly went back in front 10 minutes from the break when Brendan Dillon fired home what was to prove the winning score. The Ennis side will be disappointed with the manner in which they defended before Dillon pounced to give Deasy no chance.

In the second half Avenue tried hard to get back into contention but Connolly held firm. Indeed the winners came close to extending their lead but Kenneth Kennedy just missed the target with a couple of good opportunities.

After the game Donie Garrihy chairman of the Clare Soccer League presented the trophy to the winning captain Niall Quinn.

Connolly Celtic: Niall Quinn; Ronnie Meere, Greg Howard, Ian Hassett, Kieran Dillon, Brian Connellan, John Kelly, JP Healy, Bernard Field, Kenneth Kennedy, Brendan Dillon.
Subs: Darragh Sexton, Killian McNamara.
Avenue United A: Liam Deasy; Dean D’Auria, Colin Smith, Mattie Nugent, Pa Wilson, Alex Smusko, Alan Roche, David Herlihy, Scott Hennessy, David Smith, Mickey Mahoney.
Subs: Barry Nugent, Simon Cuddihy, David O’Grady.