It was a case of so close last Saturday in Fahys Field when local community club Maree/Oranmore fc lost out on penalties after extra time in the u12 Connacht Final against Westport Utd after the game finished 2-2 after extra time. In the dreaded shootout the Maree/Oranmore lads lost out 3-2 on penalties much to the heartbreak of the bulk of the large attendance on a sunny but windy afternoon.

The Maree/Oranmore lads opened the scoring on just six minutes when a speculative Colm Shivnan lob deceived the Westport Utd net minder but Westport pulled one back. Onto extra time Colm Whelan finished well from close range after 4 mins of extra time but with six minutes remaining parity was restored when Westport pulled it back to a 2-2 game. Lady luck did not shine on the Maree/Oranmore lads as they went down 3-2 in the resultant shootout. This was a brave,battling performance against a physically strong Westport side, Maree/Oranmore fc had strong performances on the day from Conor Daly, Thomas Blake, Eanna Costello,Cormac Quinlan,Darragh Cleary and the aforementioned Colm Shivnan. Goalkeeper Michael Burke made some spectacular saves when Westport piled on the pressure in the second half and in extra time.

The lads still have plenty to play for as it looks like a real close battle at the top of the premier league and a Regional s.f.a.i Final still to play for against who else but Westport Utd.

The u14 Premier side who were a little depleted had a fine 3-0 win against Bearna Na Forbacha Aontaithe in Furbo on Saturday afternoon last. Goals from Myles Loughran(2) and Killian Bolly saw the lads move to a strong league position.

The u12 boys championship side had a fine 2-0 win against St Bernards on Saturday last in Maree with goals courtesyof Ben Trainor and Liam Lernihan to continue their recent good form.

The u16 girls played a very close game against Oughterard afc on Sunday last in Oranmore but despite scoring first through Aisling Quinn went down 3-1 to the visitors. The girls will now play in the championship semi final and will face Corrib Celtic in the Cup this week.

Well done to the organisers of the Brendan Carney Memorial Tournament which was held last Saturday in memory of one of the pioneers of the game locally,the late great Brendan Carney. Special credit to people like Damien Croke,Ollie Flanagan,Alan Eastwood,Bernard Carr and Paddy o Connor who have kept those great memories alive in a time where keeping the game alive was not an easy task.

Congatulations to club players Tom Delany and Steven Healy who have been selected on this years Galway and District League Kennedy Cup squad who play in the University of Limerick in June.

A reminder that this coming saturday MAY 12 th is the last day of our younger age groups training in Oranmore ie u6 to u10 boys and girls.

Registration again next August with training to recommence early in September.We are always on the lookout for more volunteers to help with the running of our club,offers of help would be very much appreciated to Martin on 087 9806489 or email mareeoranmore@galwayfa.ie