Joe Delaney Cup Final
Nenagh AFC Youths 2 - Cahir Park Youths 3

Nenagh AFC Youths suffered a cruel defeat to Cahir Park on a 3-2 score line in the Joe Delaney Cup Final at a sun splashed Rearcross FC Grounds last Sunday afternoon after the TSDL side pounced for two quick fire goals in stoppage time to claim a dramatic victory.. Nenagh got the better start in this highly entertaining encounter with darting runs from Adam Mitchell causing problems for the Cahir Park rearguard from the kick off, the first chance of the tie came in the 3rd minute when Mitchell raced through on the right only to see his low effort pull to the wrong side of the post. Aaron Cowan was also a threat for Cahir Park during the early stages and the number 10 did well on five minutes, however Darly McGee shut out the danger for the Brickfield’s side. Despite Nenagh’s impressive start, the TSDL side grew in stature as the half wore on and Aaron Cowan’s effort in the 12th minute from the edge o the box was on target, however Nenagh AFC custodian Enrico Casey reacted superbly to defect the ball against the woodwork. Both keepers made significant contributions throughout and it was the turn of Evan O’Dwyer two minutes later when Adam Mitchell burst through the centre and fired on target, however the Cahir Park keeper showed brilliant agility to turn the ball outside the post. It was end to end football for most of the game and Craig Condon was luckless to see his headed effort go right of the Nenagh upright seconds later. Enrico Casey came to the rescue again for the NT&DL side after making a fine save from Aaron Cowan. Nenagh AFC went close on 26 minute when Adam Mitchell’s corner kick picked out Bryan McGee who headed firmly on target, however Evan O’Dwyer gathered under the crossbar. A flowing move from Cahir Park thirteen minutes before the break involving Craig Condon, John O’Donnell and Cormac Crowe saw the latter send a low drive goal bound, however Enrico Casey was equal to the effort and made the block. Cahir Park hit the front on 33 minutes when Cormac Crowe linked up with John O’Donnell who in turn finished between the posts with aplomb. Nenagh AFC made a strong finish to the half and were unlucky not to get back on par with efforts from Bryan McGee and Nathal Kelly who turned in a fine display throughout. The Brickfields outfit made the early running again in the second half and Adam Mitchell signalled intent with a good effort with just 33 seconds gone. It was all square in the 51st minute when Adam Mitchell pulled the ball back from the end line to Jamie Lee Finn who drove to the net from in front of goals. The NT&DL side edged ahead five minutes later when Bryan McGee released Adam Mitchell’s whose shot from a tight angle whizzed across the goalmouth only for Mark Shortt’s attempted clearance to ricochet to his own net. Nenagh AFC will rue not closing the game out at this stage, however it was Cahir Park who upped the ante despite the deficit, Nenagh survived a goal mouth scramble on the hour mark and then second half substitute Liam Casey swung in an inch perfect cross from the left flank to Seamus Reid who blazed over with a rasping header. Nenagh AFC were still having their moments and a Nathan Kelly headed effort was stopped under the cross bar by the Cahir Park net minder. The TSDL visitors were thrown a lifeline in the 84th minute when referee Toddy Sweeney pointed to the spot, the Cahir keeper came the length of the pitch for the spot kick, however Enrico Casey made a superb save to deny his counterpart. It seemed that this might have been Cahir Park’s last chance and then Adam Mitchell drilled a low shot across the goal line three minutes from time; however Tommy Sweeney put in what proved to be a crucial tackle on Nathan Kelly to keep the game alive. A sensational finish to the game saw Cahir Park draw level in the 90th minute when a lapse of concentration from Nenagh AFC saw Aaron Cowan knock to the net from close range after latching on to John O’Donnell’s cross from the right. Then NT&DL side were rocked at this stage and further woe was to follow in the second minute of injury time when Mark Shortt broke through the centre before slipping the ball inside the post much to the elation of the Cahir Park camp. Nenagh AFC were shell shocked at the final whistle but will regroup and bounce back next season. Credit must go to a Cahir Park side that kept plugging all the way through and put credence to the old adage that a game is never over until the final whistle sounds. Joe Delaney presented the Joe Delaney Cup to Cahir Park captain Evan O’Dwyer after the game applauded by Cahir Park players and supporters. FAI CEO John Delaney was also in attendance and addressed the crowd before the Cahir Park kicked off the victory celebrations.

Nenagh AFC Youths: Enrico Casey, Lee Tappendon, Roy Creagh, Daryl McGee, Cathal Coonan, Bryan McGee (Capt.), Adam Hannon, Nathan Kelly, Adam Mitchell, Kevin Nevin, Jamie Lee Finn
Subs: Graham Curtin for Kevin Nevin (71st minute), Paddy Alonso for Cathal Coonan (84th minute), Paul O’Leary for Adam Hannon (92nd minute)
Subs Not Used: Shane Butler, Dean Ray

Cahir Park Youths: Evan O’Dwyer (Capt.), Keelan Hickey, Mark Shortt, Tommy Sweeney, Sean Kiernan, Ian Flannery, John O’Donnell, Seamus Reid, Corman Crowe, Aaron Cowen, Craig Condon
Subs: Liam Casey for Cormac Crowe (71st minute)
Subs Not Used: Delga Roche, Eoin Quinlan,

Man of the Match: Adam Mitchell (Nenagh AFC)

Referee: Toddy Sweeney
Assistant Referees: Paul Horgan, Martin Goldsboro

Photo Gallery

Cup Presentation
(L to R): Mike Young (NT&DL Chairman), Evan O'Dwyer (Cahir Park Capt.),
Joe Delaney(Munster Football Assocation Hon. President), John Delaney (FAI Chief Executive)

 

Man of the Match Presentation
(L to R): Mike Young (NT&DL Chairman), Adam Mitchell (Nenagh AFC),
Joe Delaney(Munster Football Assocation Hon. President), John Delaney (FAI Chief Executive)

 

Nenagh AFC Youths
Back Row (L to R): Aaron Savage, Lee Tappendon, Adam Hannon, Daryl McGee, Enrico Casey, Cathal Coonan,
Adam Mitchell, Martin Donnellan
Front Row: John Donnellan, Bryan McGee, Jamie Lee Finn, Roy Creagh, Kevin Nevin, Nathan Kelly

 

Cahir Park Youths
Back Row (L to R): Sean Kiernan, Tommy Sweeney, Evan O’Dwyer, John O’Donnell, Seamus Reid, Mark Shortt
Front Row: Craig Condon, Aaron Cowan, Keelan Hickey, Cormac Crowe, Ian Flannery

 

Match Officials lead Nenagh AFC and Cahir Park on to pitch

 

(L to R): Paul Horgan, Evan O’Dwyer(Cahir Park Capt.), Toddy Sweeney, Bryan McGee (Nenagh AFC), Martin Goldsboro

 

Cahir Park Youths - Joe Delaney Cup Champions