There were many fine team performances last weekend, most notably the U12A boys (pictured) who defeated Premier League leaders Mervue United 1-0 away from home last Saturday. Craughwell took the game to Mervue in the first half and deservedly went in front through Alan Zimmerer. The move started with keeper Cormac McFadden finding Jamie Collins, whose pin-point pass into space found Lucas Keane, then Keane passed to the on-rushing Roan Budge, who in turn crossed to meet the perfectly timed run of Zimmerer to finish off a wonderful team move. Conor Gilligan and Cormac Regan battled hard, ably supported by Shane Murray, Eoghan Tierney and Adam Jordan who kept some very pacy Mervue wingers quiet all day. The win moves Craughwell level on points with Mervue half way through the season.

The Junior mens side were up against unbeaten NUIG B in their Lillis Cup semi-final meeting last Saturday afternoon. The college side started brightly and scored midway through the first half to take a deserved lead. That was quickly followed by a penalty kick which was well saved by United keeper Kyle Heverin. That save spurred on Craughwell as they grew more into the game with midfielder Gavin O Toole pushing the home side forward.  As the second half progressed United continued looking for the equaliser with Calum McArdle probably having the best opportunity but NUIG held on for the 1-0 win. Patrick Phillips and Conor Lally worked really hard in midfield for Craughwell with O Toole again outstanding but it was Craughwell keeper Heverin who put in his best performance of the season to keep his side in the game all afternoon.

The U14A boys moved into second place in the Championship table with a 3-0 home win over Oughterard. Liam Mulveen opened the scoring from the penalty spot followed by further goals from Tom Doran and Callum Cooke.

The U12A Girls turned in a gutsy performance to earn a 0-0 draw away to Athenry. Craughwell enjoyed the majority of the first half possession and could have being ahead through Alison Morrissey and Chloe Hallinan. Any chances that Athenry created were snuffed out by the reliable handling of keeper Ellie Brennan. The second half breeze facing Craughwell meant that Jenny Cloonan and Eabha Neary had to drop deep to gain possession, relieving the pressure on defenders Fiona Waters, Grace Keaveney and Erin Doyle. United could have snatched the win seconds before the final whistle, only for Tara Morgan to be denied by brave Athenry goalkeeping.

The U12B girls drew 3-3 away to Knocknacarra B with the prolific Ella Farrelly scoring twice and Mollie Gilligan also on target. Twins Amelie and Keely Grogan along with Chloe Callanan all featured well for Craughwell in difficult weather conditions.

Photo caption

The Craughwell United U12A boys who defeated Mervue United 1-0 last Saturday in the Premier League Back row - Eoghan Tierney, Adam Jordan, Cormac Regan, Conor Gilligan, Jamie Collins, Cormac McFadden. Front Row - Lucas Keane, Shane Murray, Alan Zimmerer, Rian Comer, Roan Budge.