Match Results & Reports

Rearcross 'A' 1 - Bilboa F.C. 1
(Rearcross 'A' win 4-2 on penalties)

The 14th Ann Kennedy Tournament came to a dramatic finale last Monday when Rearcross 'A' claimed victory against a determined Bilboa outfit after a penalty shoot out. Rearcross were first out of the traps as Mathew Ryan Luke landed an effort from the edge of the eighteen yard box which was held by Bilboa custodian Paul Kirby. Bilboa's Declan Ryan got amongst the action in the 6th minute with a well struck shot, however Adrian Hurley was ideally positioned to clear of the line. Oliver Kennedy in goal for Rearcross had to be alert three minutes later as a quickly taken free kick was goal bound only for an agile intervention. Declan Ryan came close for the Limerick side again in the 12th minute with a first time shot. The Bilboa wall stayed intact midway through the half as Derek O'Toole's powerful strike ricocheted out of the danger zone. Rearcross took the lead with thirteen minutes remaining in the half when Matthew Ryan Luke advanced from midfield and blasted to the back of the net from twelve yards. It was tit for tat at the start of the second half as both sides tried to carve openings. Nigel Ryan & Davy O'Toole were given room in front of goal two minutes in to the half, however the ball was deflected over the end line. Bilboa levelled four minutes later when a Paddy Kelly corner kick was scrambled to the net. Paul Leahy's free kick nine minutes in to the half wasn't far away. Derek O'Toole was thwarted by the Bilboa net minder midway through the half, Paddy Ryan Luke got on the end of a Niall Leahy free kick with the resulting effort inches wide of the upright. A well timed tackle by John Ryan Luke neutralised a Bilboa attack with ten minutes remaining, Paul Kirby kept Bilboa in the game in the final moments with two fine saves, extra time failed to separate the sides so the outcome had to be decided from the penalty spot, Rearcross went on to take the title on a 4-2 scoreline with John Ryan Luke, Matthew Ryan Luke, Ger Kennedy & Thomas Kennedy on target for Rearcross while Thomas Ryan Luke & Dylan Sorensen converted for Bilboa.

Rearcross 'A': Oliver Kennedy(Capt), Adrian Hurley, Anthony Ryan, Matthew Ryan Luke, John Ryan Luke, Liam O'Toole, Emmet Steed, Declan O'Toole, Davy O'Toole, Nigel Ryan, Derek O'Toole.
Subs: Thomas Kennedy, Joey Ryan, Tommy Ryan Luke, Ger Kennedy, PJ McLoughlin.

Bilboa F.C.: Paul Kirby, PJ Ryan, Donal Leahy, Niall Leahy, Thomas Ryan Luke, Declan Ryan, Mike Cunningham, Paddy Ryan Luke(Capt), Paul Leahy, Mike Ryan Luke, Dylan Sorensen.
Subs: Paddy Kelly, Andy Murphy(snr), Andy Murphy(jnr)

Referee: Jim Lees
Linesmen: John Sheldon & David White

Player of the Tournament Award: Paddy Ryan Luke (Bilboa F.C.)
Golden Boot Award: Dessie Ryan (Doon F.C.)

The Club would like to thank Kennedy's Bar & Shop for their kind sponsorship of the Tournament, Rody Kennedy presented the Ann Kennedy Cup and a Sports Voucher to the value of €250 to the winning captain Oliver Kennedy at a well attended post match function.