Grange United players and family members celebrating their Nora Kennedy Cup success.

Grange complete perfect debut season

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SOCCER: North Tipperary & District League - Division 2 Nora Kennedy Cup Final

Grange United 9

Ballymackey ‘B’ 1

On May 19th 2023, Grange United put up their first post on social media looking for players to join their club. A year to the day later, the newcomers to the North Tipperary & District League completed a league and cup treble courtesy of a 9-1 victory over Ballymackey ‘B’ in the Nora Kennedy Cup final at Michael Fennell Park, Templemore on Sunday.

A dominant display from the Laois side saw player of the match Jason McCormack score a first half hat-trick, and when added to captain Steven Finan’s early goal – meant Mark Ryan’s side went in at the break 4-1 up, with Ballymackey’s reply coming from Timmy Fleming.

Half time changes saw Tom Lord and Emmet Jones introduced for the Laois side, with both instantly making a mark and putting Ballymackey to the sword. Jones assisted Steven Finan for his second goal shortly after the restart before Lord grabbed two fine goals in the 48th & 51st minutes.

The goal of the game three minutes later from Emmet Jones, as he struck a superb half volley from distance. The scoring was concluded when Jones turned provider again, this time teeing up Stephen Dunphy.

Grange United are a welcome addition to the league, playing good football on great facilities. It is expected that they will push for promotion again next year in division one, but for now they can soak in the glory of an historic debut season.

Player of the Match: Jason McCormack (Grange United)

Grange United: Michael Moore; Trevor Abbott, Philip Tynan, Gearoid Gaughan, Dean Carey; Steven Finan, Jamie Dooley, Brian Bowe; Jason McCormack, Tommy Brophy Vinnie Cleere.

Subs: Emmet Jones for Brophy (44); Tom Lord for McCormack (45); Stephen Dunphy for Cleere (56)

Ballymackey ‘B’: Michael Grace; John Kenneally, Shane Gibbons, Tony Delaney, Paul Duffy; Cillian Bergin, Craig Kenneally, David Shanahan; Timmy Fleming, Cathal Dervan, Morgan Connolly.

Sub: Tadgh McCarthy for Shanahan (54).

Referee: Robbie Nevin.

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