Match Results & Reports

Shield Final
Blackcastle Utd. 1 - Rearcross Youths 3

Rearcross Youths got the new season off to a great start with a memorable victory over Blackcastle United in the Youths Shield Final on a 3-1 score line in tropical climate conditions at a pristine Clodiagh Rangers Grounds last Monday evening. The Templemore side made the better start and signalled their intent with a headed effort that wasn't far away with two minutes gone, Rearcross were slow to settle and conceded successive corners that came to no avail for the opposition. Jim Caplis in the Rearcross goals who went on to turn in a fine performance came to the rescue in the fifth minute when he was well positioned to gather a well struck shot from Stefan Leahy, Rearcross who were in the losers arena following last season's Shied Final were starting to find their feet as the half progressed and Paul Hogan broke through the middle, however a Blackcastle tackle averted the danger. Thomas Grace's free on twelve minutes was well struck, however the Blackcastle custodian held on the line. Dean Lenihan gave Rearcross the lead a minute later with a break run down the left flank before rifling to the back of the net. Blackcastle retaliated and dominated the subsequent interchanges, Jim Caplis kept the score line intact with a creditable stop on the 18th minute mark. Blackcastle kept on the offensive and a Cathal Leahy drive wasn't far over in the 23rd minute. Rearcross were fighting tooth and nail for possession and won a free kick outside the eighteen yard box, Thomas Grace read the situation to perfection and the quickly taken free kick deceived the Blackcastle net minder to give Rearcross a two nil advantage with nineteen minutes remaining in the half. Rearcross breathed a sigh of relief in the 35th minute when an effort was blocked on the line following a goalmouth skirmish before Jim Caplis smothered the ball. Rearcross finished the half strongly with Damien Nolan who played well throughout winning vital possession to thwart his opponents. Blackcastle came out in the second half with all guns blazing, a cleverly taken free on the right with two minutes gone had the Rearcross defence unit in disarray as a headed effort was inches wide of the upright, the signs were ominous for Rearcross four minutes later when Cathal Leahy broke in the centre before slotting with precision past Jim Caplis. Blackcastle were hunting in packs at this stage and Jim Caplis was forced to save from a free kick in the 55th minute. Rearcross dug deep and turned in a courageous performance with all players playing their hearts out to continually thwart the Blackcastle onslaught, Jim Caplis raced off his line with sixteen minutes remaining and saved brilliantly when a goal looked certain, the Rearcross custodian was to come to the rescue again four minutes later with a splendid block from point blank range. Blackcastle were caught on a counter attack with seven minutes remaining when Dean Lenihan showed well before the ball broke to James Gough who let fly first time with the sweetest of shots that saw the ball finish in the corner of the net. Blackcastle still weren't finished and once again it was Jim Caplis who saved two minutes later. Rearcross scented victory at this stage and held on to secure a memorable win and a first Youths Title for Rearcross FC, credit to all players who turned in a brave and committed performances on the day, well done to management team of Adrian Ryan and John Sheldon. Mike Young (Chairman of North Tipperary & District League) presented the Shield Trophy to Rearcross captain Seamus Feehan.

Our thanks to supporters who travelled to Drombane last Monday evening to support the Youths in their quest of this memorable victory.

Blackcastle:
Alan Maher, Paul Tumelty, Shane Purcell, Nicky Ryan, Aidan Fogarty, Cathal Scully, Stefan Leahy(Capt.), Anthony Purcell, Cathal Leahy, Paul Chapman, David Farrelly, Anthony Lyons, Shane Carroll,
Subs: Jeffrey Morrissey, Daryll Comerford, Thomas Clohessy

Rearcross: Jim Caplis, Tom Hickey, Gerard Hourigan, Seamus Feehan(Capt), Robert Harrington, Thomas Grace, Damien Nolan, James Gough, Paul Hogan, Dean Lenihan, Danny O'Brien.
Subs: Kieran Devitt, Cormac Nolan, Bryan Vandamme, Mark Hogan, Michael O'Gorman, Arthur Crowe, Wayne McMahon

Referee: David Donnelly
Assistant Referees: Shay Donnelly, Peter Moyles

Match Officials and Captains

Shield Presentation