North Tipperary & District League Weekly Review
John Delaney Cup
All NT&DL clubs represented in this competition fell at the first hurdle as the four TSDL sides all make it through to the semi-final stages. First up was BT Harps who welcomed Peake Villa to Templemore Thursday night and came out the wrong side of a 5 nil score line as the Thurles side had Pippy Carroll in flying form as he bagged a hat trick in addition to strikes from Noel Kent and Jack Cleary to set up their next match against Clonmel Town who needed a Colm Pearson headed goal midway through the second half to see off a determined Clodiagh Rangers in Drombane last Friday night. Nenagh Celtic had the dubious task of travelling to Tipperary town to face St. Michaels and despite a strong performance, Michael’s won put 3 – 1 thanks to some clinical finishing in front of goal with Mark Walsh grabbing the consolation goal for Celtic. Lough Derg made the long trip down south to face Clonmel Celtic, and last year’s FAI Junior Cup semi finalists were not in charitable form as they hit an under strength Lough Derg for 7 goals to set up a glamour semi final with St. Michaels.
Premier Division Shield
Cloughjordan left it late to book their place in the Premier Division Shield final as they scored with only minutes remaining to see of a rejuvenated Thurles Town to see the game finish 3 – 2 in favour of the away side. Cloughjordan had twice taken the lead but Robbie Jordan levelled on both occasions but he could not do anything to stop Cloughjordan scoring with only three minutes remaining to set up a Shield final with Hoylcross who travelled to Roscrea to reignite their rivalry with Streamstown Celtic and it was the Glenbane side who won out thanks to a 3 – 1 score line. Streamstown had taken an early lead through Christopher Murphy but a Callum O’Connor brace coupled with a Thomas Comerford strike saw back to back Shield finals for Holycross.
First Division Shield
Borroway Rovers booked their place in the First Division Shield final thanks to an impressive 4 – 2 win over Roscrea United in Loughtagalla Park. A Joe Callaghan brace for Roscrea was not good enough to deny the home side who found good form in front of goal to set up an exciting final against Ballymackey who themselves, had had too much fire power for Ardcroney in the shape of Luke Kennedy, Sean Kevin and Rory Mounsey to win out 4 – 1 on the day.
Second Division Shield
Gurtagarry have booked their place in the Second Division shield after gaining promotion last season as they overcame current holders Portumna Town in an entertaining encounter with the home side winning out 3 – 2. David Fogarty and Chris Guilfoyle gave the Galway side some hope during the game, but Gurtagarry proved they are as capable of scoring goals in the second tier with three well taken goals with the winner coming late in the second half. Nenagh Celtic overcame Borrisokane in a five star performance winning 5 nil. Terry Delaney opened his account for the season with a double to set up a home final berth in next week’s final.
Third Division Shield
Barnane and Templetouhy will contest the Third Division Shield final after both sides saw off stiff competition from Holycross and Streamstown Celtic respectively. Barnane had Michael and David Butler to thank for a 2 nil home victory and the single strike from John Leahy was enough to see Templetouhy through to the final next Sunday which will see them as the away side.