The Cub representatives met up at the Travellers Friend Hotel before making their way to the splendid new Snugboro ground nestling among the hills just outside of Castlebar. Despite some late withdrawals, the Club was able to field a strong starting eleven with the players eager to erase the disappointment of last season and start this one on a positive note.

The team started with Darren Nolan as goalkeeper. Dan Healy and Martin Flannery were at right and left back respectively. Karl McGee, together with last season’s player of the year, Jon Carey formed the central defensive partnership. The central midfield combination of Mick Coffey and Johnny Flynn was flanked by Damian Greavy and Adrian Ward. The supremely fit Liam Kelly was partnered up front by Phil O’Dwyer. Manager Paul Franklin and the lads from Mulranny, Mark Staunton, Ado Grealis and Ado McManmon formed the reserves.

In the opening exchanges, both sides had an even amount of possession. There were half chances at both ends to take the lead. Snugboro, who are in the middle of their season were a lot sharper with a team made up of Mayo Super League and Division One players. The Club team also had there moments, with Liam Kelly and Phil O’Dwyer forming an understanding up front. Mick Coffey was brilliant in midfield while the defence remained solid with Martin Flannery and Dan Healy clearing their lines when required.

The Club team took the lead mid way through the first half when they were awarded a penalty, which Mick Coffey converted to become the first scorer of the season. Snugboro responded immediately making strenuous efforts to score an equaliser. The strain began to tell on the Club midfield and manager Franklin replaced Damian Greavy and Johnny Flynn with Ado Grealis and Ado McManmon. The hosts continued to press and secured the equaliser just before half time, when a quick throw in was whipped into the danger zone and the central striker gave goalkeeper Darren Nolan no chance.

The Club team changed their formation at the start of the second half playing with only one up front. They swiftly fell behind when a penalty was conceded and the resultant kick was converted by the hosts. With the Club team, now being a goal behind they pressed forward in search of the equaliser. Opportunities presented themselves at either end of the pitch and both sides came close to scoring.

As the game reached its’ later stages, the superior fitness of the hosts became apparent and they proceeded to score twice more. For the Club team, Mark Staunton came on at right back and Phil O’Dwyer was replaced by Johnny Flynn. Manager Paul Franklin also entered the fray. The London visitors were resilient to the end and had several attempts on goal most notably from, Liam Kelly, Mick Coffey, Paul Franklin, Ado Grealis and Mark Staunton.

The Club and their hosts had a very enjoyable and positive afternoon with the final score of 4-1 quite irrelevant. There were good performances throughout the Club team, who were competing against a side playing a higher standard than anything they encounter back in London. Snugboro United are a very good side and the Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club (London) wish them all the best for the remainder of their season in the Mayo Super League.

Player Assessments:

Darren Nolan - solid in goal, disappointed at conceding four but not at fault for any goal.
Dan Healy - right back and centre half, gave his usual 100% faultless performance.
Jon Carey - centre half and left back, chased everything and defended in his usual confident manner.
Karl McGee – centre half, led the back line in a composed fashion, cleared his lines well.
Martin Flannery – Faultless at left back, this is the Flan the boys talked about. Came off mid way through the 2nd half and said “Look, I’m not even sweating“ Class!
Mick Coffey - central midfield, was up for the game and challenged for every ball that came his way. Scored the first goal of the season for the club and gave a performance to be proud of.
Johnny Flynn – central midfield, did what was asked of him, supported by his parents and sister who made the trip up from Cork.
Damian Greavy – right midfield, his debut game in which he battled tirelessly.
Adrian Ward – left midfield, what a game. Posted his mark for this position for the forthcoming season. He was involved throughout the game and continued running till the final whistle. Best performer for the team.
Liam Kelly - Centre forward – did not score but made life difficult for those marking him. Went close to scoring on a few occasions. Built up a good playing relationship with Phil O’Dwyer. Liam kept battling till the end.
Phil O’ Dwyer – Centre Forward, we saw the old Phil O Dwyer and he came close to scoring twice in the first half. Dropped into midfield in the second half, before coming off with a slight injury. Good to see him back.
Ado Grealis, Mark Staunton, Ado McManmon – came down from Mulranny to help out. They each played and gave 100% performances. Both Ado’s went close to scoring and Mark, playing at right back defended well. They are more than welcome to play for the Club if they decide to come to London.
Paul Franklin – Manager / midfield, came on in second half and nearly scored with first touch. Paul could just see the headlines – he is still looking!

The Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club (London) would like to thank Padraig McHale, a cousin of Paul Franklin, and all involved with Snugboro United for extending the invitation to host the Club. It was a most enjoyable weekend. The Club is most appreciative of the hospitality shown at the BOSH BAR, where a lovely meal was provided and for the night out in Castlebar. The Club looks forward to being reunited with the representatives of Snugboro United when they visit London for the return game.

The Club also wishes to applaud the support received from Paul Lyons who travelled over with the team, Johnny Flynn’s parents and sister who travelled up from Cork, Liam Kelly’s brother up from Tipperary and Dan Healy’s brother down from Sligo.

One final note, who cancelled the wake up call for the “team bonding climb” of Croagh Patrick on Sunday morning? UP MAYO!!!