Thrilling 2-1 win for Rearcross to bridge 18 year gap in the Ann Kennedy Tournament

The final of the Ann Kennedy Cup took place in Rearcross on Friday last with the hosts Rearcross welcoming Murroe A. A large crowd gathered for what proved to be a very entertaining game. The game started at a frenetic pace with both teams having a few half chances without troubling either goalkeeper. The game began to swing in Rearcross's favour in the 20th minute, quick thinking from Cathal Kennedy in the Rearcross goal saw him release the ball in front of him before sending a long range pass to Stephen Rochford who took the ball on the run beating 2 defenders before sending the ball across to James Deegan who swung away from goals before finishing cleverly on his left foot, a very well worked goal for the home team and things were soon to get better for Rea. In the 30th minute, after a Kayden Amodeo strike broke, Philly Deegan did well to disrupt the play before the ball broke to Gary O Brien who calmy controlled the ball before sending a beautiful strike past the goalkeeper from 40 yards. A great goal worthy of any final. Rearcross saw out the rest of the half and so it remained 2 0 at half time. Rearcross knew that Murroe were going to throw everything at them in the second half. Having reached the final of the Munster Junior Shield last year, they are a fine side and know how to win. Murroe started the second half like a team needing two goals and started to get well on top possession wise but without creating many clear cut opportunities and Rearcross defending well. Things were going to plan for Rearcross, defending well and breaking on the counter when possible but Murroe got a chance to get back in the game halfway through the second half when their attacker was upended in the box leaving ref TP Sullivan with no choice but to point to the penalty spot. The penalty was well struck but Cathal Kennedy did brilliantly to get down to his right to make a great save. Murroe were back in the game however with 10 minutes left. A long free kick from their goalkeeper was headed into the box before Ben Ross nipped in front of Cathal Kennedy before finishing. It was a very soft goal to concede but fatigue and 3 matches in a week might go to somewhat explaining how it was conceded. Rearcross however were not going to let this game get away from them. Hard work all over the field and general doggedness helped Rea see out the remaining 10 minutes and see Rearcross crowned Ann Kennedy Tournament champions for the first time in 18 years. Cathal Kennedy as captain was presented with the cup by Club chairman Shane Reynolds in Kennedys of Rea where post match celebrations took place, thanks to Kennedy's of Rea for providing post-match food. Thanks to Grounds group and specifically Denis Kennedy for having the pitch in impeccable condition. A great win and congratulations to the Rea team and management. Finally, thanks to the Kennedy family for sponsoring the Tournament.

Rearcross FC: Cathal Kennedy (Capt),  Cathal Kennedy, Jake Slattery, Oisin Reynolds, Greg Kennedy, Adam Hurley, Conor Nolan, Kayden Amodeo, Oisin Kelly, Colm Carey, Stephen Rochford, James Deegan.
Subs: Gary O'Brien, Sean Malone, Philly Deegan, David Brennan, Ryan Amodeo, Aidan Bryan

Murroe AFC: Jack O'Sullivan, Kallum O'Shea, Ben Ross, Dylan Ryan, Brian Quinn, Nathan O'Shea, Daniel Burke, Jamie Long, Alex Woodland, Liam Quinn(Capt), Dave Ryan
Subs: Will Clohessy, Liam Quaid, Mikey Humphreys

Player of the Tournament: Nathan O'Shea (Murroe AFC)
Golden Boot Winners: James Deegan (Rearcross FC) & Liam Quinn (Murroe AFC)

Referee: TP Sullivan
Assistant Referees: Cormac Sullivan, Robbie Nevin

Match Report by Eamonn Devitt

Photos courtesy of Padraig Mannix
Video footage courtesy of Paul Carey

Route to Final
Semi-Final: Rearcross v Pallas United, read more...
Quarter Final: Rearcross v Donohill & District FC, read more...

Tournament Reflection, read more…
Tournament Results, read more...
Tournament Roll of Honour, read more…

Rearcross FC - Tournament Winners

Murroe AFC - Tournament Runners Up

(L to R): Cormac Sullivan, Liam Quinn (Murroe AFC), TP Sullivan, Cathal Kennedy (Rearcross FC), Robbie Nevin

James Deegan opens the scoring for Rearcross

Gary O'Brien makes it two nil with a superb strike from distance

Cathal Kennedy denies Murroe from the spot with a wonderful save

Ben Ross pegs it back to the minimum for Murroe with 10 minutes remaining

Club Chairman Shane Reynolds presents the Cup to Rearcross Captain Cathal Kennedy

Player of the Tournament Nathan O'Shea (Murroe AFC) receives award from Shane Reynolds

Golden Boot Winners - James Deegan (Rearcross FC) & Liam Quinn (Murroe AFC)- Award accepted by Brian Quinn

Rearcross Management Team of Anthony Ryan, Paul Carey & Eamonn Devitt

Members of the Kennedy family with Rearcross captain Cathal Kennedy