Cappamore Celtic 1 - Murroe AFC 'A' 0
(Photos included at end of report
)
Cappamore Celtic clinched the 2013 Tournament Title with a narrow but deserved one nil victory over a gallant Murroe AFC on Bank Holiday Monday evening at Rearcross FC Grounds in what was a highly competitive contest throughout. Cappamore enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the opening half and came closest in the seventh minute when James Bradshaw''s effort from outside the box thumped against the crossbar. Murros AFC keper Denis O'Connor was the busier of two custodians throughout and did exceptionally well to thwart Alan Wallnce following a one on one situation a minute later. Murroe's first attempt on goal came on the fifteen minute mark when Philip Clancy's free kick effort was straight at Michael Moloney who made a clean block. Michael Ryan's low pile driver was on target in the 27th mark, however Murroe keepr Denis O'Connor was well positioned to save. Brian Fitzgerald's free kick was headed just wide by Trevor McKenna while at the other end Darragh Ryan's shot was on the mark, however the Cappamore shot stopper made the save with ease. Cappamore had created the better chances in the opening half and a glancing header from James Bradshaw was inches wide of Denis O'Connor's upright nine minutes before the break and then Seamus Ryan's delivery to Alan Wallace saw the headed effort directed towards the corner of the net, however the Murroe keeper reacted to make a good save to leave the tie scoreless at the break. Cappamore showed strongly at the stary of second half and grabbed what proved to be the all important goal six minutes in when Brian O'Grady pushed forward and got the last touch on a delivery from the right to head inside the post from the the edge of the six yard box. Cappamore Celtic turned in a strong defensive display throughout the Tournament and the Final was no different as Murroe upped the ante in search of an equalizer with Brian Fitzgerald particularily impressive for the champions elect, although Darren Dunlea was through on goal midway through the half only to be denied by the Cappamore's Michael Moloney. Murroe were luckless not to bag the equalizer on 74 minutes when Tom O'Leary's chipped effort from close range was barely over. The Valley Inn sponsored side finished the game strongly and Eoin Roche's low shot from a narrow angle on the left nine minutes from time was prodded out at the expense of a corner kick by Brian O'Leary and then Philip Clancy's free kick from the edge of the box was blocked by the Cappamore wall. Time eventually ran out for a Murroe side that turned in a brave performance on the evening, however Cappamore Celtic had the greater strength in dept and were worthy winners to claim the 24th Tournament title under the current format, notwithstanding the epic Tournaments which took place in Rearcross in the seventies and eighties.
Cappamore Celtic: Michael Moloney, Ken Ryan, Mike Fitzgerald, Brian O'Leary, Brian Fitzpatrick, James Bradshaw, Denis Fitzgerald, Seamus Ryan(Capt), Trevor McKenna, Michael Ryan, Alan Wallace
Subs: Mark Lonergan for Seamus Ryan, Roary Higgins for Denis Fitzgerald, Dave Madden for Trevor McKenna
Subs Not Used: David Duggan, Brian Fenton
Murroe AFC 'A': Denis O'Connor (Capt), Tony Kennedy, Aidan Ryan, Eoin O'Connor, Willie Clohessy, Darragh Ryan, Brian Mackey, Philip Clancy, Eoin Hartnett, Mike McNamara, Eoin Roche
Subs: Darren Dunlea for Aidan Ryan, Tom O'Leary for Tony Kennedy, Martin Richardson for Mike McNamara, Rob Ryan for Darragh Ryan
Referee: Alec McCormack
Assistant Referees: Tommy Lynch, Jim McGrath
Player of the Tournament: Brian Fitzgerald
Golden Boot League Table
Tournament Results
Cappamore Celtic - Tournament Winners 2013
Murroe AFC 'A' - Tournament Runners Up 2013
(L to R): Tommy Lynch, Seamus Ryan (Cappamore Celtic), Alec McCormack, Denis O'Connor(Murroe AFC), Jim McGrath
Cappamore Celtic Captain Seamus Ryan receiving the Ann Kennedy Cup from Rody Kennedy
Player of the Tournament Brian Fitzgerald receiving his award from Rody Kennedy