BT Harps - North Tipperary & District League Youths Cup Winners 2023/2024. Back row: James Tierney (Coach), Shane Monaghan, Ryan Loughnane, Blake Byrne, Charlie Campion, David Augustyniak, Cian Sheedy, Corey Moloney, Ryan Coleman, Finn McAleese, Joseph Foy, Dale Hogan, Ronnie Russell (Manager). Front row: Mario Bovi, Oisín O’Dwyer, Emilien Regout, Cian Langton, Josh Quinlan, Liam Delaney, William Collier, Cormac Foy, Sean Purcell.PHOTO: ODHRAN DUCIE

BT Harps turn tide to win Youths Cup

A dominant performance ensured that BT Harps righted the wrongs of the previous week’s league title ‘final’ loss against Killavilla United in this North Tipperary Youth Cup Final.

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SOCCER: North Tipperary & District League Youth Cup Final

BT Harps 2

Killavilla United 1

Report: Gary Culbert in Ardcroney

The Templemore side meant business on Saturday and took the lead after 35 seconds thanks to a great finish from Ryan Loughnane. The pitch in Ardcroney was in great condition, but the wind was ferocious, blowing into the faces of Killavilla in the first half.

Harps had the wind on their backs and pushed forward, dominating the first half for large spells before deservedly going two-up on the half hour with a great move, a cross from right winger Finan McAleese was finished at the back post by left winger Oisin O’Dwyer at the back post.

Killavilla were the masters of their own downfall at times with silly passes in and around their own area, but it was important that they stay in the game until half time and they could have a chance with the wind on their backs in the second half.

The wind did not have the same effect on Harps and so the second half started much the same as the first ended with BT Harps on top. However, out of nowhere a great strike from Miko Palasic from 25 yards dragged Killavilla back into the game. It was a beautiful side-footed curler on the bounce that sailed with the wind viscously into the top corner.

In fairness to BT Harps their heads didn't drop and defended very well against a strong wind while creating numerous chances to extend their lead but they didn’t need to.

Joe Foy and Finan McAleese were both excellent for Harps, but the player of the match was Oisin O’Dwyer as his running power and energy were a constant thorn in Villa’s left side of defence.

Player of the Match: Oisin O’Dwyer (BT Harps)

BT Harps: C Sheedy; J Foy, L Delaney, C Moloney, S Purcell, W Collier, F McAleese, J Quinlan, R Loughnane, C Foy, O O’Dwyer.

Killavilla United: S Dooley; J Williams, K Ryan, M Moore, K Fitzpatrick, J Moloney, P Dooley, D Fletcher, L Loughnane, M Palasic, J Kelly. Subs: R O’Callaghan for Kelly; A Kelly for Williams.

Referee: Robbie Nevin.

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