Tipperary All Stars 3 - Limerick All Stars 3
(Please scoll to bottom of report for photos)
Rearcross FC Grounds was the setting for this unique 5 a-side encounter which saw a Tipperary All Star selection play host to a Limerick All Star selection with Limerick clawing back a two goal deficit to leave a final scoreline of three goals a piece. Both sides turned in fine performances throughout despite the damp conditions, although Tipperary enjoyed the better of the opening half exchanges. Limerick's best opportunity of the half came midway through only for the woodwork to deny Leo O'Connor's rasping shot. Tipperary deservedly hit the front four minutes before the half time whistle when a good cross field ball from Gary Ryan saw Michael Cleary advance on the left before finishing inside the far post with the deftest of touches.
An action packed second half saw the Premier County extend their lead through Gary Ryan who finished between the posts from in front of goal. Limerick with a battle on their hands upped the ante and the woodwork denied the Tommy Barrett managed side when Diarmuid Sheehy's effort came off the post. Joe Quaid kept Limerick in the game with a superb one handed block from Michael Cleary in what was the save of the game. It was all Limerick after this and the pressure paid off when Leo O'Connor rattled the net following good approach play. Diarmuid Sheehy led from the front throughout and pounced for a quick fire brace to put Limerick 3-2 ahead with just two minutes remaining. Tipperary pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded a minute from time when Dinny Ryan grabbed an equalizer to leave it all square at the end of a highly entertaining encounter. Rearcross FC would like to sincerely thank all players for their participation on the day, thanks also to referee John Sheldon.
Tipperary All Stars: Bobby Ryan(Capt), Michael Cleary, Dinny Ryan, Gary Ryan, Seamus Butler
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Limerick All Stars: Diarmuid Sheehy(Capt), Ciaran Carey, Joe Quaid, Leo O'Connor, Mike Lonergan, Tommy Barrett.
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Referee: John Sheldon
(L to R): Bobby Ryan (Tipperary Captain), John Sheldon,
Diarmuid Sheehy (Limerick Captain)
Limerick All Stars
(Back Row: L to R): Tommy Barrett, Mike Lonergan, Diarmuid Sheehy (Capt)
Front
Row (L to R): Joe Quaid, Leo O'Connor, Ciaran Carey
Tipperary All Stars
(Back Row: L to R): Seamus Butler, Gary Ryan, Bobby Ryan (Capt)
Front
Row (L to R): Dinny Ryan, Michael Cleary
Bobby Ryan on goalkeeping duty for Tipperary All Stars
Joe Quaid breaks through despite the best efforts of Michael Cleary
Limerick Captain Diarmuid Sheehy in action with Ciaran Carey in support
Ciaran Carey breaks on the right as Michael Cleary closes the angle
Diarmuid Sheehy, Leo O'Connor and Joe Quaid in full flight for Limerick
Tipperary's Gary Ryan shows good ball control with Dinny Ryan in support
watched by Diarmuid Sheehy
Dinny Ryan makes the save at the near post.