Combo outfit turn in thrilling performance before losing out on penalties

Rearcross FC Grounds hosted a thrilling Ann Gilmore Youths Cup semi-final in what was an action-packed encounter from start to finish including 2 hat-tricks and a penalty shootout before the hosts eventually bowed out. The game started at a frantic pace with both teams probing the opener with the Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers back four of Conor Brett, Leo Ryan, Michael Quinlan and Luke Carroll standing firm. The combo played five across the middle with Max Carroll holding the number six role with Larry Collins and Sean Griffin in central roles with wing support from Cathal Ryan and Taylor Light as Hugh Purcell worked the top line on his own. Both teams were pushing hard for the opening goal which was a superlative finish after man of the match Larry Collins drew his marker and curled a smashing left footed effort from outside the box to give the Killavilla custodian no chance. It was end to end for the remainder of the half as both sides had chances to hit the target but the equalizer came from the spot when Eoghan McLoughlin levelled just before halftime.
The Roscrea side started the second half on the front foot and edged ahead after Eoghan McLoughlin netted his second of the day from the penalty spot. The combo outfit were giving it their all and got a deserved equaliser when Larry Collins got in to finish from close range. A fiercely competitive Cup tie saw hotly contested exchanges all over the pitch and it was from one of those exchanges that saw Hugh Purcell break to score, with a fine finish to the corner of the net with five minutes remaining. Killavilla didn’t throw in the towel and pressed hard for the equalizer which came in the 6th minute of injury time after Jack Moloney got in to prod home at the back post when the ball broke from a corner kick.
Killavilla made the better start in extra time as Eoghan McLoughlin completed his hat-trick with a cracking pile driver from the edge of the box. Full credit to the combo side that played their hearts out and left everything on the pitch as Larry Collings pegged it back level to 4-4 late in the 2nd period of extra time after finding space outside the box to send a low whizzing strike to the corner of the net, to take the game to penalties. Unfortunately, lady luck didn’t shine for the Slieve Felim team on this occasion as Killavilla progressed on a 4-1 scoreline and had their scorers in Jack Moloney, Keelan Ryan, Matthew Moore and Junior Osari Ogbebor Egharevba, while Sean Griffin responded for the home team.
This was a super performance from the Clodiagh / Rearcross combination and every player represented themselves and their Clubs with huge heart, skill and never give up attitude. The coaching team were very proud of their charges on the day and all were very disappointed not to have made it to the decider on this occasion. Killavilla are wished the best of luck in the final.

Rearcross FC & Clodiagh Rangers FC Youths: Jack Brett, Conor Brett (Capt), Leo Ryan, Michael Quinlan, Luke Carroll, Max Carroll, Cathal Ryan, Taylor Light, Sean Griffin, Larry Collins, Hugh Purcell
Subs: Liam Challen, David Griffin, Paddy Ryan

Killavilla United: Killian Spencer, Jayden Williams, Jakub Noj, Matthew Moore (Capt), Killian Fitzpatrick, Jack Moloney, Ruramai Benjamin Havatitye, Ben Buckley, Junior Osari Ogbebor Egharevba, Keelan Ryan
Subs: Eoin Ryan, Ben Leamy, Bo Feehan, Luke Blackwell, Enot Iwinosa Ogbebor Egharevba

Referee: David Butler

Larry Collins pegs it back to 2-2 with a close range finish

Hugh Purcell shoots the combo side 3-2 ahead with a fine strike

Larry Collins completes his hat-trick with aplomb in extra time to send the game to penalties

Sean Griffin converts during the penalty shootout.

Report by Paul Carey