Inny FC’s Connacht dream ends in final, but pride remains
Image 1 of 10
Inny Reds U12s before the Connacht final, back from left, Jack Sheldrick (Collinstown), Fiachra Scally (Mullingar), Coray Galligan (Macestown), Killian Hardman (Whitehall), Sean Reynolds (Cullion), Sean Gaffney (Fore), Donagh Bourke (Cullion); front, Liam Monaghan (Whitehall), Eugene Burke (Cullion), Shane O’Neill (Castlepollard), Daniel Brady (Captain, Cullion), Roarke Fitzpatrick (Collinstown), Jack Tyrrell (Collinstown).Image 2 of 10
Inny Reds U12s after the Connacht final, their expressions telling a thousand words and reflecting the disappointment of defeat. Back from left, Fiachra Scally (Mullingar), Donagh Bourke (Cullion), Eugene Bourke (Cullion), Daniel Brady (Captain, Cullion), Jack Sheldrick (Collinstown), Killian Hardman (Whitehall), Sean Reynolds (Cullion); front, Liam Monaghan (Whitehall), Jack Tyrell (Collinstown), Shane O’Neill (Castlepollard), Coray Galligan (Macestown), Sean Gaffney (Fore), Roarke Fitzpatrick (Collinstown).Image 3 of 10
Corrib Rangers U12s (Galway City) following their Connacht final win over Inny FC.Image 4 of 10
Inny strikers Liam Monaghan (left) and Killian Hardman (Whitehall, right).Image 5 of 10
Inny Reds preparing to enter the pitch before the match.Image 6 of 10
Inny Reds ready for battle ahead of kick-off.Image 7 of 10
Inny captain Daniel Brady delivering a magnanimous post-match speech.Image 8 of 10
Daniel Brady saves a one-on-one against Corrib Rangers midfielder Geoff Power.Image 9 of 10
Inny captain and goalkeeper Daniel Brady saves a one-on-one against Corrib Rangers captain and striker Adam Clery. Clery is a top striker in the Galway U12 league and captain of the Galway League Emerging Talent Programme interleague team, while Brady is a goalkeeper on the Longford League U12 Emerging Talent Programme interleague team. The two previously faced each other on 7 December in a league game at Eamonn Deacy Park between Galway and Longford.Image 10 of 10
Inny FC mascots Donncha Slevin, Monilea (left) and Ciaran Reynolds, Cullion.Inny FC’s U12 Connacht final dream ended on Sunday May 3, but there was immense pride in both that performance and those that took the club to the provincial decider, one of the flagship competitions in Connacht schoolboy football.
A 4-0 defeat to a strong Corrib Rangers side did not fully reflect the contest. Inny created several excellent opportunities and on another day could have found the net. Killian Hardman struck the post and forced a fine save, while Fiachra Scally had a late chance that looked certain to go in.
At the other end, captain and goalkeeper Daniel Brady delivered a man of the match performance for Inny, producing a series of crucial saves, including brave one-on-one stops and sharp interventions from distance, to keep his side in contention.
Brady’s performance drew praise from both camps, Corrib Rangers management describing it as one of the best goalkeeping displays they had encountered.
Donagh Bourke and Sean Gaffney again impressed, highlighting the development and strength within the squad.
Though based in Westmeath, Inny compete in the Longford League, which is affiliated with Connacht, meaning they represented both their league and county on the provincial stage. Having produced a series of impressive performances to reach the final, the side once again showed determination and resilience but came up against a clinical Corrib Rangers outfit.
Reaching a Connacht final represents a significant achievement and reflects the dedication of players, management, and the strong support from the community.
Fixtures
Attention now turns to upcoming fixtures, including the Longford League Shield final against Newtownforbes and a Tynan Cup semi-final against Mostrim.
While defeat is difficult, it should not overshadow a remarkable campaign. Inny FC have shown they can compete at this level, and this experience will stand to them going forward.