Ann Kennedy Tournament Final

Rearcross 'A' 1 - Birdhill 2

Birdhill took their third Tournament Title against a depleted Rearcross side by the narrowest of margins in this evenly contested Final at Rearcross FC Grounds last Monday evening, a bolstered Birdhill side got an early break and went ahead in the 4th minute when Alan Creagh's shot finished in the net. The wet conditions were detracting from this encounter, however Rearcross got back on par on 18 minutes when Diarmuid Sheehy's free kick broke behind the Birdhill defence with Emmet Steed taking full advangate before slotting past Mark Shinnors from close range. Rearcross keeper Sean Sheehy had to be alert to hold Paul Coleman's shot three minutes later. Birdhill took a lucky lead a minute later when Shay Fyffe's delivery from a free kick skidded to the net after poor defensive play from the home side. Rearcross had their chances to draw level before the break with a Derek O'Toole effort blocked out for a corner and then Declan O'Toole was through on goal and was misfortunate to see his effert whiz past the outside of the upright. The detoriating weather conditions impacted further on the game in the second half as Birdhill defending in depth to hold on to their lead, Rearcross had their chances and came closest with four minutes remaining when the ball came back to Emmet Steed, however the glancing header veered over the bar, Rearcross attacked to the end, however Birdhill held on to secure the title. After match presentations took place in Kennedy's Lounge where Tommy Kennedy presented the Ann Kennedy Cup and a €200 Sports Voucher to Birdhill captain Robert Seymour, Birdhill player Alan Creagh was presented with the Player of the Tournament while Rearcross FC player John Ryan Luke accepted the Golden Boot Award after a creditable scoring performance, Rearcross FC would like to acknowledge and thank Kennedy's Bar & Shop for their ongoing sponsorship of the Tournament.

Rearcross 'A' : Sean Sheehy, PJ McLoughlin, Derek O'Toole(Capt.), Sean Kennedy, Anthony Ryan, Liam O'Toole, Diarmuid Sheehy, Liam Nolan(B), Declan O'Toole, Niall Leahy, Emmet Steed
Subs: Greg Kennedy, Davy Ryan Luke, Colm Nolan, Ger Kennedy, James Nolan

Birdhill: Mark Shinnors, Mike Hayes, Robert Cassidy, Robert Seymour(Capt.), Jimmy Fyffe, Brian Meskall, Damien Quigley, Alan Creagh, Paul Coleman, Ricky Moate, Joe English,
Subs: Des Morgan, John Ryan, James Kelly, Cathal Reid, Dermot O'Shea

Referee: Johnny Mitchell
Assistant Referees: Donal Mackey, Jimmy McCarthy

 

Golden Boot Presentation
Player of the Tournament Presentation
Officials & Captains
Cup Presentation
Runners Up Presentation