Brief Highlights: Rathmullan Celtic v Gweedore Celtic

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝟰-𝟭 𝗚𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗰 Rathmullan Celtic signed off their final home game of the season in style with an impressive 4–1 victory over Gweedore Celtic at Flagpole Field, pulling away in the final 20 minutes after a tightly contested encounter. Played in sunny but breezy conditions, the home side started brightly and nearly took an early lead on nine minutes. Serhii Oriabinskyi showed great control to bring down a cross on his chest before attempting an acrobatic overhead kick, which was well saved by the Gweedore goalkeeper. The visitors responded quickly and almost opened the scoring just two minutes later. Cronan McFadden was played clean through on goal, but his powerful effort destined for the top corner was brilliantly denied by Rathmullan keeper Shaun Gallagher, making a welcome return between the posts. Rathmullan took the lead on 15 minutes following good work down the wing from Oriabinskyi. His delivery into the box was met first-time by Barry Eldad, who finished confidently past the keeper to make it 1–0. The Hoops carried that lead into the break, where supporters were once again treated to fantastic hospitality off the pitch. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Anne Sheridan and Seamus Gavaghan, whose dedication in providing soup and sandwiches throughout the entire season has been hugely appreciated by everyone at Rathmullan Celtic and beyond. Their continued efforts have played a big part in the matchday experience at Flagpole Field, and the club is extremely grateful for their outstanding service and commitment. Gweedore came out with intent in the second half, and Gallagher was called into action early on, producing another fine save at the back post to deny Ryan Doherty. Rathmullan looked threatening on the counter, and Eldad nearly doubled his tally on 66 minutes, firing narrowly wide after being picked out by a superb through ball from Kevin O’Donnell. The visitors found a deserved equaliser on 70 minutes when Liam Breathnach reacted quickest at the back post to slot home and level the match at 1–1. However, Rathmullan responded in emphatic fashion, with inspired substitutions turning the game decisively in their favour. On 80 minutes, Rabeh Hamdi restored the lead in spectacular style, controlling the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. Five minutes later, a long throw caused problems in the Gweedore defence, falling kindly to Matt McNulty, who hammered a half-volley to the net to make it 3–1. Rathmullan added further gloss to the scoreline in the final minute when Mehdi Benezzaoui surged forward from left back, played a neat one-two to break in behind, and delivered a cross for Dara Patton to finish clinically and seal a comprehensive 4–1 victory. There were a number of strong performances from the home side, with Daire Sheridan particularly impressive in the centre of midfield. Rathmullan Celtic would also like to thank referee Liam McLaughlin for officiating the match.