Last Thursday night, Craughwell United U21's took on Oughterard in Drom. Two first half goals from Liam Mulveen and some fine team passing movements set up Craughwell for a strong second half performance. Further goals after the break from Kevin Molloy, Brandon Morgan, Eoin Shiel, Matthew Faherty and Alex Craven gave United their first win of the season.

The U18 side had a 4-2 home win over Salthill Devon B at Coleman Park on Sunday afternoon. Craughwell conceded early in both the first and second halves. A 25-yard free kick by Conor Gilligan rocketed into the top corner. That goal changed the game and United lads stepped it up equalising shortly after - Conor Gilligan finishing off a nice move. A cool finish from Ian Ward and a neat finish from Gerry Boyle, after nice work from Alex Duggan put the game to bed.

On Saturday the U14 boys had a well deserved 4-2 win at home against Kiltullagh. United started well, and went ahead following early pressure on the visitors' goal when an Eoin Middleton corner was turned into the net by a Kiltullagh player. Some excellent interplay from Jake Barry, Ryan Faherty and Shane Mitchell created two goals that were expertly dispatched by Tom Malone for Craughwell to lead this keenly contested local derby 3-0 at half time. Kiltullagh rallied in the second half, and scored two goals from corners, before Paul Keaveney scored the insurance goal to secure Craughwell’s win.

On Friday night Craughwell's U12 Maroon side extended their winning streak in the league with a win under lights against Kiltullagh. After just five minutes Noah Kinneen was brought down for a penalty which he slotted away with great confidence. Kiltullagh equalized shortly after with a cross finding the net. Edward Donoghue made it 2-1 before half time. Craughwell had a lively start to the second half; Edward Donoghue on the mark again to make it 3-1. Ethan Beattie extended the lead with a well taken goal before Donoghue sealed his hat-trick. Noah Kinneen scored the goal of the game with an unbelievable goal, curling the ball from outside the box to beat the keeper and hit the top bin. Craughwell’s defence was rock solid throughout the game and 'keeper Cian Kelly denied Kiltullagh on several occasions - 6-1 the final score.

Meanwhile, the U12 Navy outfit had a hard fought 3-3 draw against a good Loughrea team on Saturday morning. Having conceded two early goals, one from a penalty, Craughwell replied on the 12 minute mark when Cathal Osborne broke to beat the Loughrea 'keeper. A counter-attacking goal before half time left Craughwell trailing 3-1 at the break. Craughwell came out with something to prove in the second half and after a spell of pressure a cross into the box was handled by the Loughrea defender. Cathal Osborne put the penalty away to put United back in the game. Craughwell won a free kick outside the box and the quick thinking Zach Houlihan hit a quick shot which was parried by the 'keeper but followed up by Eanna Tormey who slotted home to put the teams on level terms. Craughwell piled on the pressure in the last 15 minutes but had to be content with sharing the spoils at 3-3.

On Sunday morning Craughwell United U12 girls made it four league wins from four with a 2-1 win at a rainy Moyne Villa. Craughwell went behind early to an excellent Villa side, but settled well to trail by the single goal at half time. The second half continued the same way, with nothing between two very evenly matched teams, as conditions became very difficult. Craughwell kept batting and contesting, and after an excellent spell of pressure, Isabelle Behan scored a deserved equalizer with less than ten minutes remaining. The momentum was now with United, and the girls kept pressing forward and Isabelle grabbed a dramatic winner with just two minutes of normal time left. Craughwell showed tremendous character to come from behind and win against strong opposition. Special word for our three rotating goalkeepers - Briana Seoighe, Mia Fitzpatrick and Maeve Desbonnet who all contributed brilliantly both outfield as well as between the posts in very tricky conditions.

Craughwell United are running a €5,000 Last Man Standing competition for the 2022 World Cup. More details and how to enter can be found at www.craughwellunitedfc.com