Achill Rovers win McDonnell Cup

Tristan Carolan’s goal during the early stages of the second half ensured a 1-0 victory for the blue and yellow against Glenhest Rovers B, in Saturday’s McDonnell Cup final.

Having also recently been crowned League Two champions, Achill Rovers entered this game in a buoyant mood and Michael English’s outfit very nearly snatched an early lead on nine minutes. A corner-kick from man of the match James O’Hara almost found the poaching Brandon McGing, with the latter just failing to connect with the inviting delivery.

Glenhest Rovers could well have netted the lead goal on 21 minutes, but Sean Hanley’s effort whistled narrowly over the crossbar.

O’Hara was a lively presence for Achill and the roving centre-back almost gave his team-mates the perfect half-time boost, but his scorching free kick was tipped over his crossbar by the alert Keelan Barrett.

One minute into the second period the islanders snatched the elusive lead goal. A perfectly weighted corner-kick from Micheál Moran found Tristan Carolan and the latter’s header sailed into the top corner of the net.

A doughty Glenhest continued to battle and they very nearly plundered the equaliser on 65 minutes, however, substitute Fionn Reilly saw his close-range effort cleared off the goal-line.

In the end, Achill Rovers were worthy winners and their memorable season has been boosted by further silverware.

* Full report in Tuesday's print edition