Compiled by Adrian Cooke
Premier League Ricky Fogarty Cup
Thurles Town looked to put their league woes behind them as they travelled to face Cloughjordan ‘A’ at Ballymackey, and it took two very late goals to prevent an upset as Cloughjordan secure their semi-final spot against Nenagh Celtic ‘A’ by winning 2 – 1. In a free flowing and competitive game it was all square with 7 minutes remaining until Christy Burke broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion when he scored from an audacious overhead kick. Thurles Town packed the defence for the remainder of the match, but unfortunately all their good work was undone in the final minutes when Adrian Browne equalised with a powerful header. With literally seconds left on referee Jim McGraths watch, Craig Short was played in on goal by Ger O’Brien and he made no mistake to grab the all-important winner to break Thurles Town hearts.
Tipperary Cup – 4th Round
Two of Roscrea’s top sides in the shape of Roscrea United ‘A’ and Streamstown ‘A’ met in Kennedy Park and it was the Premier League side who out on the day thanks to a 3 – 0 score line. Both sides were forced into positional changes due to suspensions and the game was evenly poised until just before half time when John Pio Fitzpatrick capitalised on a defensive error to put Roscrea ahead. Midway through the second half, it was 2 nil thanks to a Joe Moloney header from a well-placed corner. Not long after it was 3 nil thanks to John Pio Fitzpatrick grabbing his second and securing his side’s safe passage to the next round. Borrisokane ‘A’ fine form in cup competition continues as they overcame fellow First Division side Rearcross ‘A’ thanks to a 2 – 1 victory. Borrisokane had raced into a 2 nil lead thanks to strikes from Daniel Butler and Matty Power. Michael O’Gorman did get Rearcross off the mark late in the second half but Borrisokane held out with a strong performance as they prepare to face Streamstown Celtic ‘A’ next week in a pivotal final league match for the Roscrea side. Premier League leaders, Nenagh AFC ‘A’ were pushed all the way by a determined Moneygall in Brickfields, and it took a penalty shoot-out for the cup holders to advance after the game finished 1 – 1 after extra time. The home side took the lead through Roy Creagh, but they couldn’t add a second thanks to a stubborn Moneygall defence marshalled by the impressive Tadgh Kennedy. Moneygall were rewarded for their endeavours when they levelled courtesy of an own goal. However, Nenagh were not be denied as they were more clinical with their penalties in the shoot-out to advance. Another local derby in the 4th round saw Nenagh Celtic ‘A’ take on neighbouring Nenagh AFC ‘B’ in the VEC and despite going behind early to Adam Mitchell strike, the Premier Leagues second placed side eventually won through thanks to a 3 – 1 score line. Mark Walsh levelled the game as he finished off a well worked team goal. The ever impressive Jimmy Hynes put Celtic ahead shortly afterwards and the game was over when Hynes grabbed his second, but it could have been more for Celtic, only for the reflexes of Cillian Fitzpatrick in the visiting goal who put in another impressive display between the posts.
Third Division
With league honours and promotion already secured by clubs above them, Rearcross ‘B’ welcomed Barnane and it was the guests who took all three points as both sides look to finish comfortably finished in mid table. Barnane took a two nil lead into the later stages of the game thanks to Michael Butler and JP Swan, but the opportunity of an impressive clean sheet was dashed when Liam Nolan smashed home a consolation goal with only seconds remaining.
Third Division Fast Food Cup
League champions Gurtagarry welcomed league newcomers Ballywilliam United for this cup semi-final and it’s Gurtagarry who remain on track for a league and cup double thanks to another late show from top striker Billy Corcoran for the second week running, as he scored in the dying minutes to seal the win. Dinny Corcoran had opened the scoring for the home side, but it was level in the 57th minute when David Corrigan levelled for Ballywilliam courtesy of a converted penalty. With extra time looming, once again Billy Corcoran produced the goods to secure his sides place in the final next weekend where they will face Shannon Rangers.
Nora Kennedy Cup Final
Silverware once again narrowly escapes BT Harps ‘B’ as they found themselves losing out to Nenagh AFC ‘C’ in this keenly contested cup final at Ballymackey F.C. grounds last Saturday evening. Both sides have shown some scintillating form this season with BT Harps finishing second in the Second Division and overcoming champions Roscrea United to book their place in the final, whilst Nenagh’s cup form has been incredible and they have Premier League scalps to prove it. The first ten minutes were a lively affair as both sides resisted the urge to start conservatively and gauge each other’s defensive abilities. Nenagh broke the dead lock when Senan Stanley headed home a looped header. It was however, level at the break when Stefan Leahy cleverly finished with a strong header. The second was saw more of the same as the first half, but Harps were edging matters, but only slightly as they found Nenagh keeper Gerry Treacy in top form. Extra time ensued as both sides couldn’t be separated and it took a well-placed pass from Trevor Morrisey found Dean Morrisey who made no mistake to see Nenagh AFC ‘C’ take the Nora Kennedy Cup back to Brickfields and mark the end of their stay in the NT&DL with silverware. NT&DL Chairman Mick Young was on hand to present Nenagh AFC ‘C’ with the cup and wished them well for the future.
Youths Division
Jake Morris turned in a 5 star performance to his Nenagh AFC Youths side to a comprehensive 8 nil win over a depleted Lough Derg Youths by scoring no less than 5 times. Also on the score sheet for Nenagh were Josh McCarthy, Stevie Daly and Paddy O’Sullivan. Ballymackey Youths also keep the pressure up at the top of the table as they overcame Nenagh Celtic Youths 4 – 1 where once again Gearoid Murphy was in free scoring form as he netted a hat trick to bring his tally to over 30 goals this season. Also on the mark for Ballymackey was Alex Jones and Sean O’Meara scored the consolation goal for Celtic.