Moneygall Seconds end 35 year wait for Cup success

SOCCER: North Tipperary & District League – Nora Kennedy Cup Final

Moneygall ‘B’ 1

Rearcross ‘B’ 1

(After Extra Time)

Report: Gary Culbert In Drombane

Rearcross’ Gavin Denihan rifled in the goal of the season in the Nora Kennedy Cup final on Friday, but it wasn’t enough as goalkeeper David Toohey proved to be the Moneygall hero in their penalty shootout success.

The last time Moneygall ‘B’ won silverware was 35 years ago under the tutelage of Tom Quinlan who was in attendance at Clodiagh Rangers pristine grounds to watch his son Ben take the reins and bring an end the baron years.

The truth is that there was very little between the teams on the evening, but Moneygall settled quickest, and they got their just reward with an early goal through central midfielder Tomas Teehan, who poked into the net after bursting through the heart of the Rea’ rearguard. Jayden Coughlan deserves massive credit for the move too though; it was the sixteen-year-old’s composed one-two on the edge of the box that created the chance.

Paul Graham Carey put himself about and was a real threat for Rea’, but it was his strike partner that lit up this final with a goal of the highest quality just before the half hour mark. 40 yards from the opposition goal, Gavin Denihan controlled a headed clearance before striking clean through the ball with his laces on the half volley, sending the ball arrowing in off the crossbar. It was a beautiful piece of skill worthy of winning the final outright.

Ben Quinlan’s side had a chance to restore their lead just before the interval when Jack Ryan was pulled down in the box, but Tommy Devereux fired high over the crossbar from the spot.

There was little between the sides for the remainder of normal time and indeed extra time, any chances that did find their way on target were dealt with by the respective keepers, and so the dreaded penalty shootout would be required to separate these very evenly matched sides.

Moneygall assistant manager Kelvin Coughlan was previously the youths manager, and had four of his former players in the squad for the final. One of those was seventeen-year-old Brian Toohey, who having just watched his older brother save Rea’s final penalty, ended the contest by finding the corner of the net despite the keeper diving the right way.

Que scenes of bedlam as Moneygall ‘B’ ended their 35 year wait for glory. David Toohey was chosen as the player of the match due to his saves in the shootout and towards the end of normal time, while there were honourable mentions for Jayden Coughlan, John Paul Griffin, and stand-in skipper Patrick Egan - who was a calming, logical voice amongst a fiery Moneygall backline.

Ben Quinlan’s side will look to use this cup run as a springboard for promotion out of the second division next season.

Player of the Match: David Toohey (Moneygall ‘B’)

Moneygall ‘B’: David Toohey; Jonathon Powell, Enda Quinlan, John Paul Griffin, Patrick Egan (Capt); William Jones, Tomas Teehan, Corey Moloney, Jack Ryan; Thomas Devereux, Jayden Coughlan.

Subs: Stephen Maher for Jones (45); David Corbett for Ryan (66); Brian Toohey for Teehan (86); Oisin Maxwell for Devereux (16 ET).

Rearcross ‘B’: Brian Hammersley; Eamonn Devitt, Eamonn Wade, William Mackey, Paul Ryan; Colm Carey, Robert Harrington, Donnacha O’Brien, Oisin Kelly; Paul Graham Carey, Gavin Denihan.

Subs: Michael Feehan for P Carey (74); Sean Malone for Mackey (79); Patrick Carey for Devitt (82).

Referee: Bobby O’Connor.