RDFL Round-up

Congratulations are extended to Castlerea Celtic who were crowned Roscommon and District league Champions following their 3 – 1 win over the Milltown Dunmore side M D Town at Dunmore on Sunday Castlerea Celtic, who only lost two of their eighteen League games had three points to spare over second placed Moore United at the top of the points table. Its their first league title since 2016 and they fully deserved the title after going fifteen games undefeated at the end of the season. Peter Farrell scored their first and Ronan Curran added two more just before half time.

Congratulations are also extended to the Brazilian side Brazukas who won their first ever trophy in the Roscommon and District League. They won the Division 1 Cup at the League grounds Lecarrow following an eight goal thriller. They raced into a two goal lead thanks to Marchelo Silva and Danis Cruz. Just before half time Edimilson Paixao added a third and they looked home and dry. However a new look Shiven Rovers side pulled a goal back through Francis Kilcommins early in the second half but within a minute Vando Silva finished off a fine passing move to restore the three goal advantage. Two excellent goals from Keith Murphy and Eoghan Mc Donagh reduced the deficit to just a single goal as Brazukas struggled to hold on. With eight minutes left to play Vando Silva scored a tremendous goal and the Brazilians held on for the win.

The Ballinlough side Lough Harps completed the Division 2 League and Cup double when they beat Skyvalley Rovers second side 2 – 0 at Lecarrow. In an entertain game the sides were pretty well matched for most of the game. The winners were awarded a penalty kick just before half time when Adrian Cregg was fouled. The same player converted the penalty kick. Only some excellent saves by Rory Mannion denied Skyvalley Rover an equaliser before Captain Rob Cregg headed a second for the winners near the end.

Ballymoe F C secured their place in the Roscommon and District league Challenge Cup final following a comfortable 1 – 0 win over Ballinasloe Town at Newbridge. While Cup holders Ballinasloe Town were short a few players through suspensions and injury they were outplayed by a Ballymoe side who won two and drew one of their three games against Ballinasloe this season. Ballinasloe started the stronger and after eleven minutes of play Shane Duffy had a fine effort on goal well saved by the Ballymoe keeper Michael Kenny. From then on it was all Ballymoe with Aidan Fallon the losers keeper constantly in action. The vital breakthrough came with twenty five played in the second half. Adrian Collins threaded a perfect pass through the Ballinasloe Defence which found Gregory Grogan just inside the half way line. He carried the ball into the Ballinasloe penalty area rounded the keeper before sliding the ball into the Ballinasloe Town net. Mark Duffy and Shane tried their best to get an equaliser but any hopes they had of a come back was ruined when Joby Kelly was sent off. Ballymoe now have two Cup Finals to look forward to while Ballinasloe Towns season is over. First up is next Sundays Premier Division Cup final against Moore United and then the following Saturday evening the play neighbours Castlerea Celtic in the Roscommon and District league Challenge Cup Final
In the other games in the premier Division Moore United finished in second place in the Premier Division following a comfortable 3- 0 win over Ballinasloe Town at Ballinasloe. Mark Nicholson Alan Duffy and Andy Higgins scored for a Moore side who were disappointed not to win the Premier title after losing only one league game all season.
Cloonfad United beat Dysart 2 – at Cloonfad and as a result Cloonfad United Dysart and M D Town will be involved in a three way relegation play off. Only one of the teams can make it to a play off with Ahascragh United for a place in the premier Division next season. Morgan Lyons scored both goals for Cloonfad United. Ballymoe drew 1 – 1 with Skyvalley Rvs as did Ballaghaderreen and St Johns Athletic.

Earlier in the week Brazukas beat Glen Celtic 4 – 0 at Glenamaddy to reach the Division 1 Cup final. Marcos scored three and Danis one. In the other Simi- Final Shiven Rovers overcame Ahascragh United in the Simi Final on a 4 – 1 scoreline. Eric Walsh scored two and Keith Murphy and Frank Kilcommins added one each