Tournament Title for Rearcross ‘A’

Rearcross ‘A’ 2 – Cappamore Celtic 1

Rearcross ‘A’ claimed the Ann Kennedy Tournament Cup on a narrow 2-1 score line against a lively Cappamore Celtic in a well attended Final
at Rearcross FC Grounds last Monday, the opening exchanges were evenly shared and PJ McLoughlin was first to threaten for Rearcross with an

effort that flew over the bar after six minutes of play, Paul Murphy was next up with a well struck shot that was saved by Brian Fitzgerald in the Cappamore goal. Rearcross took the lead when Eamon Gleeson ran on to a long delivery from Sean Sheehy before flicking the ball to the back of the net on the half hour mark. Cappamore regrouped after this and were enjoying their fair share of possession, Andy Murphy brought the best out of the Rearcross custodian and then Sean Sheehy had to be sharp again to save from Chris Cronin. A Declan O’Toole shot was just wide of the Cappamore upright with ten minutes remaining in the half. Andy Murphy was back in the action two minutes later, again Sean Sheehy thwarted the Cappamore side with a fine save. Rearcross made a strong finish to the half and a Paul Murphy chance wasn’t far off on 39 minutes, Paul Murphy went on to extend the Rearcross lead two minutes later after finishing the ball to the net on the second attempt after his penalty effort was parried by the Cappamore net minder.
Cappamore battled gallantly in the second half and Martin McLoughlin was in the right place at the right time to head off the line when a goal looked certain. The Cappamore pressure paid off midway through the half when Paudie Coyle got in for a well taken goal. Cappamore attacked in droves in search of an equaliser and had the ball in the Rearcross net with fifteen minutes remaining, however the goal was flagged for offside. Rearcross keeper Sean Sheehy was very much in the action in the remaining minutes and managed to keep the score line intact. Rearcross just about held on for a hard earned victory against a luckless Cappamore side that were worthy Finalists. A speedy and full recovery to Cappamore Celtic player Mike Sweeney who sustained a serious leg injury at the Quarter Final stages of the Tournament.
Man of the Match: Sean Sheehy

Rearcross ‘A’: Sean Sheehy(Capt), Kevin Mullins, Anthony Ryan, Simon Kennedy, Martin McLoughlin, Nigel Ryan, PJ McLoughlin,
Seamus Feehan, Eamon Gleeson, Declan O’Toole, Paul Murphy.
Subs: James Gough, Robert Harrington, Michael O’Gorman, Derek O’Toole, Diarmuid Sheehy

Cappamore Celtic: Brian Fitzgerald, Ollie Divine, Philip Coyle, Ger Coleman, Declan Ryan(Capt.), Mike Ryan, Andy Murphy, Mike Fitzgerald,
David Duggan, Paudie Coyle, Chris Cronin.
Subs: Denis Mahoney, John Moroney, Brian Paul, Ken Ryan, Eric Ryan, Denis Fitzgerald

Referee: Jimmy McCarthy
Assistant Referees: Jim Lees, Johnny Mitchell