Galway Cup 2023 - Day 2 Action Review

Eoin Horkan gives you a glimpse of all the games on day 2 of the Galway Cup 2023

Group B - 2010 Elite

Limerick Desmond 1

Wicklow 1

A last-minute free kick saw the west Limerick side gain a share of the spoils in this early morning game.

The east coast side took advantage of playing with the wind with strikes by David McCormac and James McBride causing untold damage up front.  Wicklow took the lead twenty minutes in after spurning a couple of half chances beforehand. It was James McBride who showed great composure in the box before McCormack rattled in an effort. On the stroke of halftime, the Wicklow goalie pulled off a great save to keep his side ahead.

After the interval against the wind Wicklow controlled the middle of the park with some great team play. As the half went on the opposition started to gain a bit more control but couldn't break through the rearguard.

With four minutes to go Limerick won a free which Leon O Connor wing assisted drilled into the top of the net.

This means going into the last group game’s only goal difference only separates Limerick and Wicklow with both on four points.

Group B - 2010 Elite

Longford 1

Limerick County 3

There were no flies on the second Limerick team in the group as they had two goals to spare against the side from the northeast.

After Longford broke the deadlock early through Ryan Kenny this kicked the Limerick side into gear.

County started to control the ball in the middle and eventually took the lead when Sean Hayes and Rian Martin rattled the back of the net.

County made sure of their victory with a final effort from Connor O’ Riordan.to put them third in their group going into the final round of games.

Group A 2010 Elite

Carlow 2

Clare 0

A Bobby Finn double saw Carlow overcome Clare on pitch three in the Drom this morning.

A tough battle from the start saw Carlow eventually gain momentum as the half went on. Eventually their dominance meant that they took the lead with a Bobby Finn strike.

When the second half resumed Carlow’s number 8 was controlling the middle and eventually Finn added his second to ensure victory.

Leaving them second in the group going into the final round of games in the afternoon.

Group A 2010 Elite

Cavan Monaghan 0

Dundalk 3

It was the Louth side that came out on top in this northeast derby on Thursday morning.

Dundalk flew out of the blocks early in this tie when Ryan Lynch found the back of the net for his side. Within minutes they had doubled the lead with anAlexandre Yoka effort.  

With the game heading towards an inevitable conclusion Dundalk ensured top spot in the group with a final goal from Ryan Duffy.

Group A - 2010 Club

Clare 2

Murroe 1

This Midwest battle saw Clare get the better of their opponents in a hard-foughtvictory.

From the start Clare took early control with their midfield playing some scintillating football. This eventually led to the opening goal of the game through Ned O’ Reilly.  They doubled their lead as the game went towards the final whistle when Maks Wegrzyn found the back of the net.

Their Limerick neighbors fired in a goal to make the game interesting with a Sonny Ryan strike. This left Clare second in the table meaning they will play Salthill Devon in the semifinal tomorrow morning.

Group A - 2010 Club

Cavan Monaghan 0

Crusaders 7

The northern derby produced a fine display with Crusaders winning by seven goals in the end.

The scoring was opened through Crusaders player Noah Kerr before striker Michael Temetan doubled the lead. As the game went on Jack Calwell netted his side’s third. Then two players took center stage with Karter Rush and Ollie McKillien both netting twice as the full-time whistle drew closer.

This result means Crusaders will play Greenisland FC in another northern derby in tomorrow's semifinal.

Group B 2010 Club

Greenisland 1

Killarney Athletic 1

Neither side could be separated in this highly anticipated clash in group B.

It was the northern side that took advantage of the strong breeze, firing in a well-deserved goal when Lucas Hastings gave his side the lead. As the game drew to half time Killarney started to battle back before the interval.

Once the second half began it was clear that Killarney would find the back of the net which they eventually did as Alan Scannell equalized in the tie.

This leaves Greenisland playing Crusaders tomorrow in the semifinal.

Group B 2010 Club

Limerick County 0

Salthill Devon 3

The home side produced a great display to beat Limerick County side with Jaeson So continuing his goal scoring form.

This game looked like it was going to be a goal separating the side until that man Jaeson So firing in his first of the game.  Within minutes the same man doubled his side's advantage.

As the game went on Limerick kept balloting to get into the game but the home side stood strong defensively keeping them out. The final goal of the game nestled in the back of the net when Luke Kenny effort flew into the net.

Group B 2011 Boys

Wicklow 1

Wilton 0

The scoreline in this tie didn't reflect the dominance of the Wicklow side as they controlled the second group game from start to finish.

Wicklow, who played against the wind in the first half, managed to gain possession early and created a number of early chances but couldn't make the all-important breakthrough. On the stroke of halftime striker Tyler McElvaney directed an angled effort into the opposition goal.

The second half was very different as Wicklow emptied their bench but defensively, they still stood strong while creating chances at the other end. They couldn’t double their lead but still managed to come away with all three points.

Group B 2011 Boys

Salthill Devon 2

Roscommon Tigers 1

The home side won this three-goal thriller in an all-Connachtaffair.

On his home pitch Rian Cleary made this count firing in another two goals to his tally for this home tournament. The Rossie Tigers managed to battle back to fire in a goal of their own through Rory Hawkshaw, but this wasn’t enough as the home side held on for victory.

Group A 2011 Boys

Longford 2

Roscommon Lions 0

Another local derby saw Longford come out on top by two goals,but the Rossies battled hard all throughout.

Longford opened the scoring with an early effort from Darragh Orme. The Rossies started to battle back but couldn't get anything past a strong Longford rear guard.

Eventually they doubled the lead on the break with an effort from the boot of Fionn McCormack Crowe.

Group A 2011 Boys

Finn Harps 4

Clare Blue 2

Finn Harps came out on top in a six-goal classic.

It was the Donegal academy that took early advantage of the swirling breeze in Drom. With the aid of the breeze, they went two goals up early with efforts from Ethan Buchanan and Lewis Quinn.

As the game went on it was evident that the breeze wasn't going to hinder Finn’s advantage as they kept the pressure on. Up stepped Jayden Buchanan on the doubles to extend his side's advantage.

Clare did use that swirling breeze towards the end of the game halving the deficit when Joe O Callaghan and Cian O Sullivan found the net.

Group B 2008 Premier

Mervue United 1

Dundalk 1

Neither side could take full advantage of the Salthill breeze which saw the teams share the spoils by the end of the tie.

It was the Galway side that found their feet early in this group game with a strike from Sean Nnadi. They tried their best to double their advantage, but the opposition defense stood strong.

With the aid of the breeze the side from east equalized with a well taken effort from the boot of Tommy Keenan.

Group B 2008 Premier

Pike Rovers 0

Clare 1

A solitary effort from Clare was the difference in this all-Munster affair.

Anyone in attendance on pitch two witnessed a hard-fought match with both midfielders battling from the word goes. Neither side could manage to get the better of the tornado like breeze in Drom. Eventually as it looked like the tie would finish, all square up stepped Zak Phelan to give Clare the lead against their neighbors.

Group B 2008 Premier

Salthill Devon 1

Wicklow 1

Wicklow proved that yesterday was a bad day as they shared the spoils with the home side in this group.

It looked like Wicklow were in for a long day again when their opponents scored within a penalty converted by Jean Harlamovs.

Wicklow battled back into the tie with a well-deserved equalizer by Jack Healy. Neither side could extend their advantage meaning this hard-fought tie would end level.

Group B 2008 Premier

Maree Oranmore 0

Glenavon Fc Academy 2

The northern Academy side got the better of their Galway opponents playing some beautiful football in awful conditions.

After some fine team play even with that strong breeze Glenavon broke the scoreboard with a well taken goal from Matthew Allen. Playing some fantastic football, they were showing some fine touches. Towards the end of the game, they doubled that advantage when sharpshooter Jake McConville added to his tournament tally.

Group A 2010 Girls

Salthill Devon 1

Galway FA 0

Home advantage counted as the Select side were beaten by a solitary goal.

From the outset it was evident that there was nothing going to separate the sides as they battled each other along with the elements.

After chances from both sides, it was eventually the home side that took home all three points when Emily Jean Killeen found the back of the net. Ensuring all three points for her side /

Group A 2010 Girls

Sligo Leitrim 4

Longford 0

One of the best teams in the girls’ sections proved their quality with another win today against their northwest neighbors.

After yesterday's fine performances Sligo Leitrim kept this going by scoring early in this game through EMILY DUNNE. Her teammates MAE FENTON, CIARA GORMLEY and sharpshooter AVA HANNILAN guaranteed victory for their side.

Group A 2010 Girls

Galway Select 2

Roscommon Girls 2

The final girl’s game was a fantastic battle between near neighbors who couldn't be separated at the final whistle.

It was the home county side that took the early advantage in this tie with the aid of that breeze firing in two goals before the break. The first from Niamh McGauran before Kate McNamara fouled the lead. This looked like it would be the end and the Rossies had other ideas as they battled back to gain momentum.

Once they gained momentum, they reduced the lead with a Lillia Murray effort before the tiewas leveled through Ruby McGuire.

Group B 2010 Elite

Limerick County 1

Limerick Desmond 0

In one of the shocks of the tournament Limerick’s County side got the better of the west Limerick side.

All the Limerick crowd and whoever else was in attendance witnessed a battle between two well matched sides on the day.

After two yellow cards for the county side, they managed to break through and score when ROCO WALSH found the back of the net. This ended up being the only goal of the final group game.

Group B 2010 Elite

Wicklow 3

Longford 2

The other game in this group produced a five-goal thriller with Cian Murphy's hat trick being the difference in the end.

All the plays in the opening half came from the side from the southeast of the country. They eventually took the lead when Cian Murphy opened his account for the day with an angled effort. After this both keepers produced some fine saves leaving only a goal in it at the break.

After the interval the game burst into after Murphy doubled his tally. The opposition responded with a long-range effort from Ryan Kenny. It was then Murphy turn again to finish his hat trick with ten minus left. Longford had other ideas and narrowed the gap again with another ling range strike from the boot of Oliver Brychcy.

This wasn't enough as Wicklow held on for victory.

Group A 2010 Elite

Clare 3

Cavan Monaghan 2

This group produced another fantastic battle with Clare coming out on top in a five-goal thriller.

It was the Munster team that took early control and deservedly took the lead with efforts from Conor Brady and a double from Ben Lyne. This looked like they had done enough.

Their northern counterparts had other ideas, narrowing the gap to the minimum through Shay Hyland and Emmet Mc Caul. These goals proved in vain as Clare held out for victory.

Group A 2010 Elite

Dundalk 1

Carlow 1

The final game in this group was a hard-fought battle where neither side could be separated at the end.

It was the northeast side that took the lead in the opening half as they controlled the breeze better. Their striker Cormac Greene found space before finishing well.

The second half was a carbon copy as Carlow gained control back and equalized through their striker Aron Brennan. This was the end of the scoring as both defenses held out for the final few minutes of play.

Group A 2011 Boys

Maree Oranmore 2

Roscommon Lions 4

An unbelievable second half performance saw the Rossies get the better of their Connacht neighbors.

Playing with the aid of the wind Maree took control in the half and went in two up at the break with efforts from Caolan Toland and Senan Ward.

The second half was all the \rossies as they fired in four unanswered goals coming from ScottDowd, Eoghan Higgins, Ritchie Conway and Tyler Gibbons.

This was one of the best comebacks of the tournament as day two drew to a close.

Group A 2011 Boys

Roscommon Tigers 2

Clare Yellow 1

In one of the final games of the day the Rossie tigers got the better of their Munster opponents as the day was closing.

 Most teams by the end of the day were using the wind to their advantage and this is exactly what the Connacht side did netting twice through Rory Hawkshaw and Diarmuid Naughton.

The second half Clare battled back and halved the lead with an Eric Bejunariu effort. This wasn't enough as the Connacht side held on for victory.

Group B 2008 Premier

Donegal Schoolboys 0

Clare 0

The first game of the tournament that finished goalless was this group B game as neither side could break the deadlock.

Group A 2008 Premier

Midlands Schoolboys 3

Glenavon 1

The team from the middle of the country got the better of their northern counterparts with an exquisite win late in the evening in Drom with the Academy finishing the game with ten men.

The schoolboys got off to a great start with a strike from Alex Byrne. It was clear his teammates were here to play as they passed the ball Barcelona style around the middle of the park.

They doubled their advantage when Diarmuid O'Higgins found the net. Their final goal of day two was netted by Ruairi Woods.

A Charlie Gault consolidation effort wasn't enough for Glenavon to find a way back into the tie.

2009 Super Elite

Leeds 0

Glenavon Academy 2

It was the northern academy side that beat the English side with two well taken goals in the second half.

In the first half both sides canceled each other out as they attempted to battle the elements.

The second half was very different as the Academy side gained an advantage playing in the clubhouse. They eventually took the lead with about fifteen minutes to go when Harry Dubourdieu fired in. With the game teetering on the brink of an equalizer it was Glenavon who finished off the contest with an effort through Cameron Healy.

2009 Super Elite

FAI 2010 Academy 2

Sligo Rovers 2

In the highly anticipated match on day two it was another pulsating draw with a last-minute goal to level it.

The side from the west took over the tie early on threatening the opposition goal on a couple of occasions. they eventually took a two-goal lead going in at the break with two efforts from Patrick Nolan.

The second half was much tighter as the FAI side battled back and fired in a well-deserved effort through Calvin O'Sullivan to narrow the gap. With one of the final shots of the game the striker Ollie Harte executed an excellent volley to fire home.

Group A 2010 Girls

Galway FA 4

Roscommon 4

In what was the game of the day the spoils had to be eventually shared in this eight-goal thriller.

Galway’s Till Caroll netted a hat trick for her side before her counterpart Ruby McGuire did the same for the opposition.

The final goals of the game came from Lauren Loughrey before Lucy Curtin leveled the tie in what was a great way to end the second day of games.

Group A 2010 Girls

Longford 1

Salthill Devon1

A last-minute penalty saw the home side grab a point in one of the final games of day two.

The northeast side playing with the aid of the breeze in the opening half took that lead from a headed effort from a corner from Abbie Oates

It looked like they had done enough to win the tie, but the home side were awarded a last-minute penalty which was converted by Ana Conway to ensure her side went away with a point.

Group A 2010 Girls

Sligo Leitrim 0

Galway Select 1

In the final round of games, it was the home county that won out in this all-Connacht affair.

From the outset both sides battled hard to gain momentum in this enthralling time.  Eventually the home side broke through to score the only goal of the game from the boot of Niamh McGauran ensuring her side would finish day two happily.