Compiled by Adrian Cooke
Premier League
The Premier League title race is wide open again after Nenagh AFC ‘A’ dropped points away to Clodiagh Rangers ‘A’ in Drombane when the league leaders were held to a 1 – 1 draw. Nenagh knew that another 3 points in this fixture would have set them on course for another league title and they threatened from the start of the match with some pressing and fast paced football which resulted in Dan Dalton coming closest but he was denied by Adrian Cooke in the home goal. Dalton did manage to break the deadlock shortly afterwards when he latched onto a long goal kick from Aaron Savage and cleverly slotted home from just inside the area to leave it 1 nil at the break. Nenagh dominated the possession stakes throughout the second half as Clodiagh sat deep and packed the middle third of the field and they were rewarded for their defensive endeavours when Brian Carroll rose highest to head home a Mark Quinlan corner to level matters with 20 minutes to play. Clodiagh had to endure a busy last quarter of the game when Nenagh pressed hard for the winning goal, but they found the Clodiagh defence in stubborn form as they held out for a deserved point, although Nenagh will view the result as 2 points dropped and opening the door for Nenagh Celtic ‘A’ who can earn a playoff for the Premier League title if both Nenagh AFC and Nenagh Celtic win all their remaining matches.
First Division
Arra Rovers finished their league campaign away to Borrisokane ‘A’ and came out on the wrong side of a 7 – 2 score line. Arra simply were no match for the in-form Borrisokane side of late who had John Butler, Andrew Nevin, David Nevin, Mark Rahmoune, Joe Gleeson and Shane Stapleton all on the mark as they prepare for the last league game of the season against Streamstown Celtic ‘A’, where they know if they gain any points in that fixture, they may have a say in where the Division 1 league title goes this season. Arra’a consolation goals came from John Barry and James Ryan as they finish the season retaining their Division 1 status and avoiding a relegation playoff with Borroway Rovers, thanks to the departure of Nenagh AFC from the NT&DL.
Third Division
Streamstown Celtic ‘B’ made the long journey Friday night to face Rearcross ‘B’ in their final league game of the season and earned a point thanks to an entertaining 4 – 4 draw. Shane Carroll stole the headlines for Streamstown as he netted a hat trick for his nights work, in addition to a goal from Niall O’Loone. James Deegan bagged a brace for Rearcross whilst Joey Nolan and Diarmuid Sheehy also chipped in with a goal each for the home side. Barnane simply had too much firepower for an under strength Shannon Rangers as the hosts fell to a heavy 5 – 1 defeat. Joe Lupton, Ciaran Ryan, Oisin Jordan, John Paul Dwan and Michael Purcell all netted for Barnane as Sean Moran bagged the consolation goal for Shannon Rangers.
Tipperary Cup
Roscrea United ‘A’ took on their ‘B’ side in this eagerly anticipated battle and once again it was Paul Kirwan who was the difference on the day as he continues his fine goal scoring form as he bagged another hat trick to add to his impressive tally for the season to book Roscrea’s ‘A’ team in the quarter final stages of the competition. Nenagh AFC ‘C’ were once again looking to knock out Premier League opposition in cup competition as they faced Cloughjordan ‘A’ and it took two late goals from the Premier League side to see off the spirited Nenagh side. Cloughjordan took a slender 1 nil lead into the half time break thanks to PJ O’Brien who followed up on a Dean O’Meara strike from distance. Not long after the break, the game was level after some confusion in the Cloughjordan defence lead to an own goal. Late goals from Ger and Michael O’Brien secured a hard fought win for Cloughjordan who make it through to the quarter finals for the second year running. Streamstown Celtic ‘A’ again were clinical in front of goal as they ran out comfortable 4 – 0 winners over BT Harps ‘B’ in Templemore. Christopher Murphy bagged a brace whilst Niall O’Loone and Darren Wrenn also scored for the Roscrea side.
Third Division Fast Food Cup
Ballywilliam secured their spot in the semi final of the divisional cup in their first year in the NT&DL thanks to a slender 1 – 0 win over Ballymackey ‘B’. The all important gaol in this tight encounter came from Dave Corrigan after he was brilliantly set up by Shane Butler. Sallypark ‘B’ also booked their spot in the next round, again thanks to a slender 1 nil win over Borrisokane ‘B’. Eugene Foley was once again on the mark for the Latteragh side as for second week in a row he has found the back of the net.
Youths Division
Another of the weekends high scoring draws saw Lough Derg Youths and Nenagh Celtic Youths play out an high scoring match which finished 3 -3 . Colin Hart scored twice for the Clarisofrd side with Luke Mills-Morris also getting in on the action, but their efforst were cancelled out with strikes for Celtic from Eddie Shoer courtesy of a free kick, Jamie Kelly from a penalty and Sean O’Meara with their third.