Nora Kennedy Cup
Table toppers Shannon Rangers and Holycross ‘A’ clashed in this Second Division Cup quarter final with Holycross advancing to the semi-final stages by the odd goal in five. The Glenbane team made the better start coming close with efforts from Tossy Comerford and Ciaran Maher but had to wait until the half hour mark for the opener when Tossy Comerford volleyed home after latching on to a Sean Comerford cross. Shannon Rangers responded five minutes later when Sean Moran netted an equalizer to leave it all square at the break. The hosts kept the pressure on and raced ahead on 67 minutes when Ross Ryan was the target man. However full credit to a determined Holycross outfit which was back in the fray ten minutes from time when Thomas Fitzpatrick’s free kick fell to Jason O’Brien who headed home from close range. The tie looked to be heading for extra time, however Holycross snatched a dramatic winner in the 91st minute after Kyle Denny’s shot rebounded to Dan Corbett who made no mistake to seal the win.
Nenagh AFC ‘C’ welcomed Clodiagh Rangers ‘B’ to Nenagh for this Nora Kennedy Cup tie and dished out a 4-2 defeat to the Drombane side. The visitors had taken a one nil courtesy of a Loughlin Ryan goal, however Nenagh took over after this and took a 3-1 lead to the break. Clodiagh Rangers upped the ante in the second period before Paudie Ryan brought it back to the minimum and were unlucky not to equalize minutes later, however the Brickfields tacked on a fourth to secure their place in the last four.
Streamstown were comfortable six nil winners over Templetuohy at the Killoran Park venue to advance to the semi-final stages.
Premier Division League
Thurles Town came from two nil down against Lough Derg to record a 4-2 victory at Thurles Greyhound Stadium. It was scoreless at the half time whistle, however the Ballina/Killaloe side showed the early form in the second half taking up a two nil lead in the process, however Thurles produced the goods after this and got back level with goals from Tom Brophy and Robbie Jordan. The hosts hit the front with twenty minutes remaining when Robbie Jordan bagged his second of the afternoon. Tom Brophy not to be outdone made it 4-2 four minutes later to leave no way back for Lough Derg on this occasion.
First Division League
Roscrea United ‘A’ were comprehensive 7-1 winners over Nenagh Celtic ‘B’ last Sunday, Nenagh Celtic had taken a one nil through Kevin Nevin but the tide turned after this and Roscrea enjoyed a 3-1 lead at the midway stage thanks to a Paul Kirwan brace and a well taken goal from Pio Fitzpatrick. It was more of the same in the second half as Roscrea hit the Nenagh side for four more, Paul Kirwan netted twice again to bring his tally to four on the day while Eoin Shanahan and David McNamara were also on target for the winners.
Third Division League
Rearcross ‘B’ and Borrisokane ‘B’ divided the spoils on a one all score line at Rearcross FC Grounds last Sunday. The hosts edged ahead on the fifteen minute mark when Darragh Kennedy produced the trickery on the wing before picking out Joey Nolan who was bundled off the ball inside the box, Joey Nolan then stepped up to convert with aplomb from the spot. Borrisokane showing strongly after the resumption and pegged it back level in the 48th minute when David Collins prodded home after Rearcross were slow to react. The game burst in to life in the final quarter and an action packed finish saw ample opportunities created at both ends, Joey Nolan came close with a headed effort that dragged wide after the ball spun out from a Paul Murphy pile driver. John Ryan Luke’s cross from the right saw the danger averted by Borrisokane’s Barry Ryan. The woodwork denied the home team when Darragh Kennedy’s long range rasper struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing back in to play, Borrisokane then surged forward with Darragh Ryan Luke very much to the fore with a trio of superb saves to ensure the game finished level at the full time whistle.
Gurtagarry played host to Sallypark ‘B’ in a Third Division League fixture last Sunday and were full value for a three nil win on the day. The sides were scoreless at the break, however Ronnie Kinnane set the home side on their way in the 54th minute with a well worked goal. Dinny Corcoran doubled the tally on the 70 minute mark and then Ronnie Kinnane got in for his second of the day nine minutes from time to clinch the win for Gurtagarry.
NT&DL Tipperary Cup
Cloughjordan ‘A’ had too much firepower for Ballymackey on a seven goals to nil score line in this NT&DL Tipperary Cup game played in Ballinree, Cloughjordan were three nil up at half time and went one better in the second half. Kevin Quinlan and Dean O’Meara bagged a brace a piece while Declan Barrett, David Williams and Ger O’Brien were also on the mark for the visitors.