North Tipp shows signs of life in Clare

SOCCER: Oscar Traynor Cup Round 1

Clare 1

North Tipperary 0

Report and Photos:

Gary Culbert at Frank Healy Park, Ennis

Having been starved of inter-county soccer for over twenty years, the North Tipperary & District League (NT&DL) made its long-awaited return to Oscar Traynor Cup last Wednesday night, in what was a special occasion for all who love the beautiful game in the region.

A goal down and a man up at half-time, the returnees to the prestigious inter-league competition, North Tipp threw the kitchen sink at Clare in the second half, but three big chances came and went, meaning Henry Newman’s charges have it all to do in their remaining group games with Limerick Desmond Football League and the Limerick District League in November and December in Templemore.

For years, North Tipp soccer was looked on as some second-tier league to South Tipp and Limerick. However, within the league, players, managers and supporters all knew that despite its obvious issues, there was still a crop of very good players playing in the league. Some players stayed loyal to their clubs during that time while some moved leagues or teams in search of fulfilling their full potential; scratching that itch of competing at the peak of their ability.

Last Wednesday night, however, there was ray of hope as finally, a new generation walked out on the field in the pristine navy & gold of the NT&DL, and while they could not undo the damage of the years without this level of soccer and the players that missed out, they could show a glimpse into the future.

There were plenty of positives from what was a passionate performance from an organised North Tipp side. With an average age just shy of 25, this youthful squad had a shaky start to Oscar Traynor life, going behind after just eight minutes when a deflected strike looped over the head of the helpless Julian Bentancourt in goal.

It took the NT&DL some time to get up to the pace of the game, but eventually they turned the tide and began to get on top. And as the rain got heavier, there was a flashpoint which saw Clare reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time with striker J Ryan dismissed.

Having been the nail for most of the first half, Henry Newman’s side suddenly became the hammer. North Tipp went banging on the Clare door all through the second period but alas the Banner bent but did not break. Big chances fell to midfielder Paul Costello, and strikers James Deegan and James Kenneally, but all missed the target.

Because North Tipp were so long away from Oscar Traynor competition, most supporters who made the journey to Ennis came away rightly positive, as a 1-0 loss was not a terrible result for the first game back.

Player of the Match: Eamonn White (NT&DL)

Clare & District Soccer League: Simon Kilker; Cathal Cullinan, Johnson Mununkum, Jaime Roche, Liam Buckley, Scott Kirkland, Adam Kilker, Nathanael Boaventura, J Ryan, Jorge Inacio Lopes, Ryan Mahony.

Subs: Darragh Leahy for Inacio Lopes (33); Kai Khetan for Mahony (77); Eoghan Gough for Mununkum (85).

North Tipperary & District League: Julian Bentancourt (Moneygall 8); Jack O’Brien (Moneygall 7), Eamonn White (Ballymackey 9), Jack Kennedy (BT Harps 8), Jake Slattery (Rearcross 7); Cathal Delaney (Ballymackey, Capt 7), Dean Lawlor (BT Harps 7); James Kenneally (Ballymackey 7), Paul Costello (Moneygall 7), Cian Galvin (Ballymackey 7); Aidan White (Ballymackey 7).

Subs: Ben O’Dwyer (Ballymackey 7) for O’Brien (56); James Deegan (Rearcross 7) for Lawlor (64); Joe Bourke (BT Harps 7) for Galvin (76); Conor Longe (Moneygall 7) for Costello (76).

Referee: Paudie Hayes.