Rearcross Youths through to Cup semi-final

Rearcross Youths pulled out all the stops to progress to the semi-final of the Tipperary Youths Cup with a 4-nil win over Ballymackey at Rearcross FC Grounds on Friday evening. The hosts started on the front foot as an Aaron Quinlan looped effort flew over on 5 minutes. Luke Carroll edged Rearcross ahead in the 10th minute after finishing to the net from close range following a goal mouth scramble. Cody Quirke’s pacey runs were a threat as Rearcross keeper Seanie Quinlan advanced to avert the danger and then the Rea custodian made a fine save moments later to deny the Ballymackey number 10. Oisín Reynolds had a fine outing and came close when his low effort was saved on the line before the ball squirmed across the goal line. The Slieve Felim side took a 2-goal lead when Patrick Ryan was the provider to Jonathan Dawson who finished with a low drive to the corner of the net. Oisín Reynolds made it three nil with 12 minutes to play in the half with a left footed pile driver to the back of the net. Rearcross were dealt a succour punch just before half time with the issuance of a red card for a tackle on the edge of the eighteen-yard box.
Rearcross weren’t found wanting after this set back and upped the ante at the start of the second half as Conor Carr put in a decisive tackle which was followed moments later with another interception by Colm Hickey as the hosts held firm at the back. Cathal Ryan was dictating affairs in midfield and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet with an effort that was deflected out for a corner kick. The visiting side were pushing hard to reduce the deficit but were met with resolute resistance by the Rearcross rearguard. The woodwork denied Oisín Reynolds when his headed effort from a Patrick Ryan cross came off the crossbar in the 65th minute. Rearcross emptied the bench towards the end of the game and it was Dylan Hyde who copper fastened the win after getting a touch on Jack Nolan’s assist with 6 minutes to play. The last real action of the tie saw the woodwork deny substitute Paddy Ryan’s fine effort which clipped the cross bar. A real battling performance on the evening from a Rearcross side who will now face a tough away semi-final fixture to Holycross FC.

Rearcross Youths: Seanie Quinlan, Liam Brett, Luke Carroll, Conor Carr, Colm Hickey, Oisín Reynolds, Aaron Quinlan, Cathal Ryan, Patrick Ryan (Capt), Jonathan Dawson, Jack Nolan
Subs: Dylan Hyde, James Costello, Ronan Hammersley, Sam Hackett, Paddy Ryan

Ballymackey Youths: N Ryan, K Fitzpatrick, D Hartnett, C Hassett, M Ryan, J Healy (Capt), O Ryan, P Daly, E Ryan, C Quirke, M O’Brien
Subs: A Wahid, S Conway, M Hoare, K Cullinane Fleming

Referee: Robert Mandrila

Congratulations to underage players from Upperchurch Drombane playing with Rearcross Youths, Rearcross U-16 Boys, Rearcross U-14 Girls, their families and Upperchurch Drombane GAA on a memorable win in the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Final.