Rathcoole FC - over 35s 7 vs 2 St. Pauls o35s

Rathcoole FC over 35s hosted St. Pauls o35s at Rathcoole on 21 February 2026, with kick-off at 4:00pm in a crucial cup tie. The home side delivered a commanding performance, running out 7-2 winners after a pulsating 90 minutes of football.

Rathcoole lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, deploying Karl Skelly in goal behind a back four of Johnny Paun at right back, Gary Ryan and Luke Keegan as central defenders, and Billy O’Neill on the left. The midfield featured Mick Hynes on the right, Adrian Whelan and Stephen J Fox centrally, and Paul Moran on the left. Beano Corrigan operated as the attacking midfielder behind lone striker Darryl Shanahan. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity with a balanced midfield while allowing Corrigan to link play and Shanahan to spearhead the attack. The substitutes available were Paul Lowry, Tiago Faria, Dave Cossy, Colum McNally, Sammi Idris, Gary Murray, and Chris McGlynn.

The match began dramatically with an early injury to left back Billy O’Neill, who was replaced by Paul Lowry after just five minutes. Rathcoole’s attacking intent was evident soon after when Paul Moran attempted a high shot on 13 minutes, which flew over the bar. Moments later, goalkeeper Karl Skelly made a crucial low dive at his feet to deny St. Pauls, keeping the hosts in control.

Rathcoole opened the scoring in the 20th minute through right midfielder Mick Hynes, who finished clinically after a precise assist from Stephen J Fox. Hynes came close again three minutes later but his effort went wide. The home side’s striker Darryl Shanahan then took centre stage, netting twice in quick succession. His first goal came in the 30th minute, assisted by Paul Moran, followed by a second just five minutes later, set up by Beano Corrigan.

St. Pauls pulled one back from the penalty spot on 35 minutes, reducing the deficit briefly. However, Shanahan restored Rathcoole’s three-goal cushion before half-time with a well-placed finish assisted by Stephen J Fox in the 40th minute.

The half-time interval saw a flurry of substitutions for Rathcoole. Colum McNally and Sammi Idris both came on for Johnny Paun, Tiago Faria replaced Billy O’Neill, Dave Cossy took over in goal from Karl Skelly, and Tiago Faria also swapped places with Darryl Shanahan up front.

The second half started with Rathcoole continuing their dominance. Sammi Idris scored in the 50th minute, capitalising on a pass from Gary Ryan to extend the lead further. Beano Corrigan had a chance to add to the tally in the 56th minute but his effort went wide. Paul Moran also fired high over the bar at the hour mark, while goalkeeper Dave Cossy made a full-stretch save to keep the clean sheet intact.

Tiago Faria added his name to the scoresheet in the 63rd minute, continuing Rathcoole’s relentless attacking display. The home side made further changes with Gary Murray replacing Beano Corrigan in the 66th minute and Chris McGlynn coming on for Paul Moran three minutes later. Johnny Paun returned to the field in the 74th minute, substituting Colum McNally.

St. Pauls managed to score a late consolation goal in the 81st minute, but Rathcoole responded swiftly. Gary Murray found the net in the 84th minute, assisted by Chris McGlynn, to seal a comprehensive victory.

In the dying moments, an offside call against Adrian Whelan at the 90th minute was incorrectly given as he confidently went round the keeper to score, but it did little to affect the outcome of a match thoroughly dominated by Rathcoole FC over 35s.

This emphatic 7-2 win showcased Rathcoole’s attacking prowess and tactical flexibility, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline and a solid defensive display despite early disruptions. The home side now progress confidently in the cup, buoyed by a performance that was as entertaining as it was convincing.

Adrian Whelan allegedly scored 2 goals. It was unfortunate that no one saw his 2nd.