Inny FC U12s secure Connacht Trophy semi-final spot

Young Westmeath side defeat Melview to continue Connacht Trophy run

Inny FC Under-12 Reds produced an outstanding performance in Abbeycarton, Longford, on Sunday March 8 to defeat Melview FC and secure their place in the Connacht Trophy semi-final, continuing what has become a remarkable run in the prestigious provincial competition.

The victory represents another significant step in a season that has already seen the young Inny squad demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and composure in some of the most challenging fixtures of their campaign.

The result means Inny now carry the banner for the Longford League, standing as the only remaining Longford League side left in any Connacht Trophy competition across all age groups this season. For a small club competing against some of the strongest underage teams in the province, the achievement is particularly notable and reflects the dedication of both the players and coaches involved.

Earlier in the tournament, Inny demonstrated their fighting spirit when they travelled to Sligo to face St John’s Reds in extremely difficult conditions. On that occasion, the Westmeath side battled through adversity before eventually securing victory in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. That memorable win helped build confidence within the group and set the tone for the remainder of their Connacht Trophy campaign.

The latest success against Melview now leaves the team just one step away from a Connacht Trophy final, while also ensuring that the hopes of the Longford League remain alive on the provincial stage. Manager Eamonn Brady praised the attitude and determination of the players after the match.

“The lads showed great determination and teamwork and fought for every ball until the final whistle,” he said. “They have always had great camaraderie, but the cup run this season has brought it to a new level. They are working incredibly hard for one another and that spirit has been a huge part of our success.”

Facing a talented Melview side, the match quickly developed into a competitive encounter with both teams showing early attacking intent. Melview enjoyed spells of possession, but Inny gradually settled and displayed the organisation and discipline that have characterised their Connacht Trophy performances throughout the campaign.

A key moment of the game came during the first half when goalkeeper Daniel Brady of Culliion produced a remarkable sequence of saves. Melview striker Iny broke through on goal and looked certain to score, but Brady blocked the initial effort before reacting instantly to deny the striker twice more from close range. The triple save sparked relief among the travelling Inny supporters and disbelief among the Melview crowd, as what appeared to be a certain goal was prevented by the goalkeeper’s quick reactions and bravery.

Coach Nick Sheldrick was full of praise for Brady’s contribution. “Daniel showed great composure and bravery in that moment,” he said. “Those saves were hugely important and gave the whole team a lift.” Manager Brady agreed, adding that the intervention proved to be a turning point in the contest.

In defence, captain Sean Reynolds of Cullion delivered a commanding performance. Reynolds repeatedly won tackles and cleared danger under pressure, providing leadership and composure at the heart of the back line. Donagh Bourke also played a vital role, dropping deeper to support the defence and breaking up Melview attacks with determined tackling and intelligent positioning.

Another key contributor was Jack Tyrell of Collinstown, who produced a calm and defensive display throughout the game. The collective discipline of the defensive unit proved crucial as Melview pressed forward for long periods, particularly during the second half.

The decisive moment arrived midway through the first half following a well-worked set piece. A clever through ball from Fiachra Scally allowed Reynolds to surge forward from defence. Spotting space ahead, the Inny captain struck a powerful shot from distance that flew past the Melview goalkeeper and into the net. The goal proved to be the difference between the sides.

In midfield, Sean Gaffney of Finea produced one of his best performances of the season. Tasked with marking Melview playmaker Leon, Gaffney matched his opponent physically despite a noticeable size disadvantage and disrupted Melview’s rhythm throughout the contest. Brady later described the performance as one of the most disciplined midfield displays of the season.

Up front, Shane O’Neill of Fore once again proved a constant threat. Whenever he received possession, he drove directly at the Melview defence, using his pace and dribbling ability to create space and relieve pressure. His runs helped stretch the opposition defence, particularly during the closing stages as Melview pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

By reaching the Connacht Trophy semi-final, the Inny Reds have shown remarkable resilience and determination throughout the competition. The achievement is also significant for the club, as this season marks the first time Inny FC has fielded two Under-12 teams, highlighting the continued growth of the club’s underage structure.

Semi-final challenge ahead

Attention now turns to the Connacht Trophy semi-final, where Inny Reds will travel to face Strand Celtic Yellows of Sligo on the weekend of March 21. The match will represent the eighth away fixture in Inny’s Connacht Trophy campaign and their fifth trip to Sligo during this remarkable run.

The Connacht Trophy final is scheduled to take place in Westport on the May Bank Holiday weekend, widely regarded as one of the highlights of the underage soccer calendar in the province. For the Inny Reds, the journey continues as they prepare for the next challenge in what has already been a memorable and historic Connacht Trophy campaign.