Cappamore Celtic clinch their 5th Tournament Title in dramatic fashion

Cappamore Celtic pulled out all the stops after being reduced to 10 men to seal a narrow 2-1 win over Murroe AFC in the Ann Kennedy Tournament Final played at Rearcross FC Grounds on Friday evening. The existing Cup was originally donated by Rody and Ann Kennedy some 35 years ago and was replaced for this year’s Tournament by a new Ann Kennedy Cup kindly donated by the Kennedy family. A hotly contested encounter between neighbouring Clubs saw a cagey opening period as Cappamore created the first chance on 12 minutes when Sean Hayes linked up with Eamon Ryan, but the effort was easily collected by Jack O’Sullivan in the Murroe goal. Cappamore’s claims for a handball were waved on minutes later as the green & blacks were enjoying the better of the exchanges. Denis O’Donoghue’s effort was on target midway through the half, however the Murroe custodian Jack O’Sullivan parried at the post to keep the ball out. Sean Hayes had a fine outing for Cappamore Celtic and showed his prowess with the opener in the 25th minute after getting on the end of Johnny Barrett’s delivery from the right before finishing to the corner of the net with aplomb. Murroe dug deep after this and levelled matters on 32 minutes when a defence splitting pass from Brian Quinn saw Jamie Long take full advantage before bundling the ball over the line clipping the upright in the process. Patrick Carroll produced a superb save a minute later when Dylan Ryan’s well struck effort from outside the box was goalbound, however the Cappamore shot-stopper dived full length to push the ball away. A flare up in front of the Stand with 3 minutes remaining in the half saw match referee Ray Ryan restore order as Cappamore were reduced to 10 men with a straight red and also the issuance of a yellow card to a player from each side.
The second half was played with less intensity as Cappamore keeper Patrick Carroll made a smart save seven minutes in. Murroe were failing to make inroads despite their numerical advantage as the O’Dwyer Safety Systems sponsored side defended stoutly. The introduction of Jake Slattery had brought a fresh impetus for Cappamore and it took a fine save from Jack O’Sullivan at the near post to keep the scoreline intact. It looked as if the outcome was going to be decided on a penalty shootout, however Cappamore had other ideas when Paddy Quinlan’s long range free kick was met with inch perfect accuracy by Colin Ryan who guided a delightful header to the corner of the net. The Valley Inn sponsored outfit threw everything at the winners elect in the remaining minutes but Cappamore stood firm with Sean Lynch particularly to the fore with successive clearances. Cappamore were deserving winners on the day against a Murroe outfit that will be disappointed not to have made better use of their numerical advantage. Thanks to both teams for a very entertaining final and to all other teams for their participation in the earlier rounds of the Tournament. Well done to referee Ray Ryan who had a fine tournament throughout and assistant officials Jay Ryan and Daragh Meaney who ably assisted in the Final.
Finally, acknowledgement and thanks to the Kennedy family for sponsoring this year’s Tournament including the donation of a new Cup to the memory of Ann Kennedy, while we also remember siblings Kathleen and Rody at this time.

Cappamore Celtic: Patrick Carroll, Aaron Daly, Harry Maher, Colin Ryan, Johnny Barrett, Sean Lynch, Jamie McCarthy, Denis O’Donoghue, Sean Hayes (Capt), Paddy Quinlan, Eamon Ryan
Subs: Willie Birrane, John O’Brien, Taylor Coleman, Cillian O’Dwyer, Denis Leonard, David Meehan, Jake Slattery

Murroe AFC: Jack O’Sullivan, Brian Quinn, Killian O’Shea, David Rainsford, Luke Hartnett, William Clohessy, Dylan Ryan, Brian Mackey, Jamie Long, Alex Woodland, Nathan O’Shea (Capt)
Subs: Evan Walsh, Shane Power, Cian Power, Sean O’Dwyer, Darragh Ryan

Referee: Ray Ryan
Assistant Referees: Jay Ryan, Daragh Meaney

Player of the Tournament: Sean Hayes (Cappamore Celtic)
Joint Golden Boot Winners: Evan Walsh (Murroe AFC) & Ryan Deere (Cappamore Celtic)

Tournament Results / Team Photos, read more...

Match Report by Ger Kennedy

The following Tournament tribute was compiled by Boston based Simon Kennedy
The Ann Kennedy Cup, hosted each summer by Rearcross FC, is much more than a pre season soccer tournament. It is a heartfelt memorial rooted deeply in the club’s community spirit.
Named in honour of the late Ann Kennedy - daughter of the late Tom & Breda of Kennedy's Shop, Bar & Lounge, Rearcross - the competition pays tribute to a beloved and dedicated club supporter whose siblings and extended family have graced the fields and committee rooms for many the year.
Across the generations, the Ann Kennedy Cup has brought together local teams in all its formations, welcoming clubs far and wide. Indeed, many a spirited battle has taken place down through the years including, but not limited to, teams such as Newport Town AFC, Pallas United, Murroe AFC, Kilcommon FC, Doon/Donohill FC, Clodiagh Rangers FC, Cormackstown FC, Cappamore Celtic etc... Whether or not these clubs are all still in existence, one thing runs certain down through the years. That is, each and every game was an occasion where competitive passion met tribal communal unity.
In recent times, Rearcross FC has unexpectedly mourned the loss of Ann's siblings, Rody and Kathleen, two loyal and generous supporters of the club. And so, at its heart, this annual fixture is much more than just a friendly competition. It’s about honouring those who have left us - their support, their spirit, and their devotion - while reinforcing bonds across the community both in Rearcross and neighbouring parishes. Each kick, each goal, each gathering on the side lines echoes the values Ann, Rody, and Kathleen upheld: connection, service, and love of the game.
There's not much more to be said. The Ann Kennedy Cup is a moving tribute that brings together players, volunteers, and supporters. All of these people are united, not just by soccer, but by shared memory and respect. In a world that is moving fast, long may this continue.