Bunratty dent Bay Rovers’ push as promotion race heats up

BAY Rovers’ title hopes in the OBrienWaterServices.com Championship suffered a setback following a 3-0 defeat to Bunratty United.

Hat-trick hero Conor Brosnan scored all three Bunratty goals, opening the scoring in the 37th minute before adding two more in the second half.

The result tightens up the top of the table as Bay Rovers remain second on 23 points, two behind leaders Beara United (25), although Rovers have played two games more. Ardfield (22), Bunratty (21) and Castlelack (20) also have two games in hand on Bay Rovers, while even Skibbereen Celtic, sixth on 18 points, remain in the conversation having played just nine games.

Meanwhile, in the PremierHiSpecCars.com Premier Division, first-half goals from Barry O’Donovan and Conor Vassallo fired Dunmanway Town to a 2-0 home win against Drinagh Rangers B. The result lifts Dunmanway up to joint third place.

Premier title challengers Drinagh Rangers were in Parkway Hotel/Maybury Coaches Cup quarter-final action last weekend and came from behind to beat Togher Celtic 3-1. Donnacha Collins handed Togher a third-minute lead, but Drinagh responded with goals from Robbie McQueen, Barry O’Driscoll (H) and Padraic Hegarty to book their place in the semi-finals. Clonakilty Soccer Club, Dunmanway Town and Bunratty had already advanced to the last four.

In the latest action in the Fusion Home Decor WCL Women’s 7s League, Dunmanway Town joined Drinagh Rangers at the summit thanks to a 1-0 win over Beara United. Claire McSweeney scored the only goal of the game, although Drinagh have a game in hand.

Also, Drinagh Rangers B moved into third place – seven points off the pace-setters – after a 4-2 victory against Sullane. Katie Collins and Kelle Doolan both scored doubles for the winners, while Tara Twomey and Ellen Roche found the net for Sullane.