Thomas Kennedy spot kick copper fastens Cup semi-final spot for Rearcross ‘B’

Rearcross ‘B’ hosted Templetuohy in this divisional cup quarter final. The weather conditions were ideal and the club grounds group had the field in perfect order so all was set for what Rearcross hoped would be a home win. Rearcross B got off to a flying start when good play from Mark Hogan and Aidan Bryan set up Cillian Kennedy who finished to the net to give the home side an early lead in the first 2 minutes. Rearcross were playing the better football and created the better chances with Aidan Bryan and Cillian Kennedy both getting shots on target but saved by Templetuohy keeper Liam Ryan. Rearcross didn't have it all their own with Templetuohy winning five early corners but failed to score. Rearcross were sure to have doubled their lead when good work from Aiden Bryan found Cillian Kennedy in the square who's shot somehow went over the bar. Good work from Donny O'Brien and Gavin Denihan who worked hard creating chances and it paid off just before half time. Donny O'Brien crossed in a beautiful ball for Cillian Kennedy who finished with a volley to the corner of the net to put the home side two up at half time. Rearcross started the second half as they did the first with a good attacking move that had Matt Feehan's shot saved again by Liam Ryan in the Templetuohy goal and Donny O'Brien put the resulting rebound just wide. Again, Cillian Kennedy was pressing hard for his hat trick but his efforts failing to find the target. Brian Hammersley in the Rearcross goal was having a quiet afternoon but made a super save on the 60th minute when Templetuohy striker Christy Moore found space in front of goal but for Brian to deny him a goal. Rearcross pressed hard for their third goal, Gavin Denihan setting up Donny O'Brien but for the his effort blocked by the Templetuohy defender and Dave Brennan's header was cleared off the Templetuohy goal line. The home side eventually got their third when Cillian Kennedy was deemed to be fouled in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Veteran striker Thomas Kennedy in his 36th year playing for Rearcross slotted home the resulting penalty to make it 3 nil. A good performance and a clean sheet from the home side under the guidance of manager Paul Carey who now look forward to an away semi-final fixture.

Rearcross FC stalwart Thomas Kennedy copperfastens the win for Rearcross 'B' with a converted penalty. Very well done to Thomas who has netted 300 plus goals over the past 36 seasons in the Rea colours, a true and loyal Rearcross FC stalwart on and off the pitch, Thanks Thomas

Rearcross ‘B’: Brian Hammersley, Anthony Ryan, Mark Hogan, William Mackey, Sean Hickey, Gavin Denihan, Matthew Feehan, Donnacha O'Brien, David Brennan, Cillian Kennedy, Aidan Bryan
Subs: William Horrigan, Michael O'Connell, Liam Kelly, Damien Nolan, Ger O'Toole, Thomas Kennedy, Felim Deegan

Templetuohy: Liam Ryan, Rory Downing, Stephen Troy, Johnny Doran, Shane Ryan, Colm McGrath, Alan Moran, Damien Cantwell, Ciaran Barry, Christy Moore, Jordan Leahy

Referee: Shane Hodgins

What the Managers said:

Paul Carey - Rearcross 'B' Manager

Richie Fogarty - Templetuohy Manager