Late Cahir surge denies Silvermines

GAA: Tipperary Coiste na nOg Under 14 ‘B’ Football Final

Cahir 3-11

Silvermines 2-5

Report: Mark Dunne in Gortnahoe

A Ryan Davis second half masterclass propelled Cahir to the County Under 14 ‘B’ Football title on Friday evening past a brave Silvermines side.

Played in sunny but breezy conditions, both sides to their credit engaged in a wonderful display of football, showcasing the innate benefit of the kick passing game.

Silvermines were first on the scoresheet, joint-captain Conor Harrington pointing from close range. Charlie Ahern was quick to respond for the eventual winners, dispossessing a loose ball out to point.

Szymon Stepien was denied the first green flag of the game, Conor McManus in the ‘Mines goal pulling off a fine save. Cahir though playing with the aid of the breeze, made it count on eight minutes, Ryan Davis showcasing his composure on the ball, to fire it into the back of the net.

Harrington responded quickly for the North champions side. A darting run from Archie Walsh found Harrington who slipped his shot past Thomas Hunter in the Cahir goal.

This seemed to ignite the South champions attack and in the next ten minutes, kicked five unanswered points, James Morrison, Charlie Ahern, Sebastian Frazer and two frees from Jack Noonan put them 1-6 to 1-1 in front.

Silvermines, to their credit, finished the half well. Daniel Sherlock clawed a point back on 27 minutes before Harrington once again found the back of the net, a fine toe poke to bring the North champions right back into the game at the break. 1-6 to 2-2 Cahir to the fore.

Both sides showcased wonderful examples of forward kick passing and Silvermines took full advantage in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Conor Harrington leading by example with the first two scores of the half and putting his side one to the good.

Cahir though, made some positional changes, Ryan Davis who started at centre back now took up the full forward position and his impact was immediate. Conor McManus in the ‘Mines goal was called into action once more when Noonan’s shot was saved, the forward pointed the resulting free and this seemed to breathe life into the Cahir attack.

Fionn Harrington kicked the ‘Mines back into the lead on 45 minutes but this would be the final score for the North side.

Syzmon Stepien capitalised on a Davis attack to level proceedings with just over five minutes to play. Cahir though once again ignited and Ryan Davis was causing all levels of problems for the ‘Mines defence. His quick feet and strength on the ball saw him score a wonderful goal bouncing through to the Silvermines defence.

He quickly knocked over a close range free to extend their lead. With the clock now in injury time, Davis climbed highest from a long range free turning and racking up his third goal and ensuring the County title was heading south for 2026.

Two late points, also from the boot of Davis cemented the win and upon Cian Ryan’s final whistle there was scenes of jubilation from the large travelling support.

Player of the Match: Ryan Davis (Cahir)

Cahir: Thomas Hunter, Oliver O’Connell, Conor O’Connell, Conor Berry, Dean O’Connor, Ryan Davis (3-3), Geoff Wycherley, Dylan O’Connor, James Hyland, Sebastian Frazer (0-1), Cullen Walsh, James Morrison (0-1), Jack Noonan (0-3f), Charlie Ahern (0-2), Szymon Stepien (0-1).

Subs: Donny Keating for O O’Connor (inj), Patrick Quaid for Morrison, Conor McGuinness for Quaid (inj)

Silvermines: Conor McManus, Danny O’Brien, Darren McKeogh, Ronan Hegarty, Eoin Hanrahan, Conor Fahy, Cormac O’Shaighnessy, Jim Stone, Fionn Ryan, Daniel Sherlock (0-1), Archie Walsh, Fionn Harrington (0-1), Liam Treacy, Conor Harrington (2-3), Michael Hynes.

Subs: Conan Kelly for F Harrington, James Timmons for Treacy.

Referee: Cian Ryan (Éire Óg Annacarty/Donohill).