Thrilling win for Rearcross U-14 Boys to clinch League title

Rearcross U-14’s Boys were crowned First Division Major League champions on Wednesday evening following a superb showing over a gallant Silvermines team at Michael Fennell Park in Templemore. Silvermines FC dominated for long spells in the first half and will rue not being ahead at the halftime whistle. Ethan Connolly was a threat throughout and fired just wide from the edge of the box with just 2 minutes gone. Seanie Quinlan had a fine outing for Rea and made a vital headed clearance three minutes later. Ethan Connolly was in the action again minutes later after dribbling through with a mazy run on the left before firing on target, however Paddy Ryan made a foot block to keep the sides scoreless. Chances for the Martin O’Toole Electrical sponsored side were limited in the opening half, although Jonathan Dawson’s shot midway through the half was on the mark but was held by Fionn O’Shaughnessy in the Silvermines goals. The ‘mines continued to threaten and Caleb Maher released Ethan Connolly but Paddy Ryan was well positioned to make the save. Caleb Maher was creative throughout and drove just wide of the upright with 14 minutes remaining in the half in what was a let off for the Rea boys. Seanie Quinlan and Oisin Reynolds were pivotal in the opening half and were ably assisted by Paraic Carr and Liam Brett and indeed Bob Hickey who was last man back on 28 minutes to make a vital clearance when a goal looked certain and then Caleb Maher let fly with a good effort but Paddy Ryan squirmed to his knees to block on the line. The best chance of the half for Rea came on the half hour mark when good work by Liam Ryan saw Jonathan Dawson lay off to Jack Nolan who floated the ball over the bar to leave it all square at the midway stage. A firm half time team talk saw a different Rearcross reappear in the 2nd half as a Jack Nolan effort on 2 minutes bobbled, before being gathered by Fionn O’Shaughnessy who was faultless throughout. Jack Nolan was on target again seconds later with a well struck effort but the ‘mines keeper was equal to the effort. The Slieve Felim boys hit the front on 44 minutes when the ball broke to Conor Carr who sent a delightful effort from outside the box to the corner of the net with clinical accuracy. It was 2 nil five minutes later when good work by Jonathan Dawson saw the ball pulled back to Jack Nolan who finished to the net with a brilliant strike. The Mines reaction was swift and were back in the game within seconds after Oscar O’Toole made no mistake with a fine finish from the edge of the box. The game was in the melting pot at that stage, but Rea restored their advantage on 59 minutes when Conor Nolan who worked tirelessly all through was fouled outside the area, Jack Nolan stepped up to send a cracking shot to the root of the net. Rearcross copper fastened a memorable League title when Jack Nolan completed a glorious hat-trick with a low drive inside the far post. Rearcross introduced all subs as Jack Hickey, Darragh Reynolds, Ciaran McLoughlin, Ciaran Canavan and Ronan Hammersley all played their part in what was a memorable victory, well done to all players and management/coaching team of Shane Reynolds, Liam Nolan(B), Brian Hammersley and Patrick Dawson on a great season and a just reward at the end with a coveted League title. NTSFL Secretary Ursula Scully presented the League Trophy to Rearcross captain Oisin Reynolds before the celebrations began in earnest. Well done to match officials David Butler, Mark Greene and Michael Barry who played their part in a very entertaining encounter. Thanks also to Rearcross kit sponsors Martin O’Toole Electrical, Newport. Finally, our thanks to Paddy Ryan and his Silvermines charges, the league campaign was neck & neck the whole way through and culminated in a very entertaining finale where the final scoreline didn’t do justice to the Sean Ryan Forestry sponsored side, Silvermines FC are wished the very best in future endeavours.

Rearcross U-14’s: Paddy Ryan, Seanie Quinlan, Oisin Reynolds, Paraic Carr, Liam Brett, Conor Nolan, Bob Hickey, Conor Carr, Jack Nolan, Jonathan Dawson, Liam Ryan
Subs: Jack Hickey for Liam Brett (40th minute), Darragh Reynolds for Jonathan Dawson (57th minute), Ciaran McLoughlin for Conor Carr (57th minute), Ciaran Canavan for Conor Nolan (67th minute), Ronan Hammersley for Seanie Quinlan (67th minute)

Silvermines FC: Fionn O’Shaughnessy, Sam Forde, Xavier Hickey, Ryan Amadeo, Robert Ryan, Jimmy Timmons, Conor Ryan, Kayden Amadeo, Ethan Connolly, Caleb Maher, Oscar O’Toole
Subs: Peter Ryan, Cian O’Sullivan, Michael Conway

Match Referee: David Butler
Assistant Referees: Mark Greene, Michael Barry

Report by Ger Kennedy

What Team Management said:

Liam Nolan(B) - Rearcross U-14's

Paddy Ryan - Silvermines FC