Future is promising for Moyle Rovers with another south Tipperary Minor A football success

Above: Peter Boland presented the Boland cup to Moyle Rovers joint captains Liam Kelly (left) and James O’Brien after their win over Killenaule. Also included are Charlie Boland and Jason Lyons (right), South Tipperary Bord na nÓg Chairman. Picture: Michael Boland

Moyle Rovers 3-10 Killenaule 0-7

Back to back South Tipperary Minor A football titles for Moyle Rovers reflects the growing strength of the Clonmel club in underage competition, and this latest success was achieved with a flattering 12-points win over Killenaule at the Mary Immaculate complex in Thurles last Thursday evening.

This was something of an historic occasion, the first south final to be played at the very impressive newly-developed floodlight facility at the college’s Thurles campus. While the Rovers’ win was fully deserved, the scoreline does not do justice to the contribution of an excellent Killenaule side to an entertaining final.

Killeanule had defeated Clonmel Commercials in the semi-final and faced into the decider with some optimism. However, it was apparent from an early stage that Moyle Rovers had more strings to their bow, as they established a four-points lead by the end of the first quarter (0-4 to 0-0).

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Killenaule’s joint captain Charlie Barrett, their most impressive player, opened their account from a free after 22 minutes but a minute later Conal Egan finished an excellent Moyle Rovers move with a goal.

However, Rovers were on the back foot for the remainder of the half, as Killenaule moved to a higher gear. James O’Brien in the Rovers goal saved well to deny Killenaule a goal but before the break Pat Ryan pointed for the losers, who also had a great two-pointer from Barrett to close the gap at half-time to 1-4 to 0-5.

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The second half saw Moyle Rovers re-establish control. Conor Williams had an early goal chance that came to nothing but Fred Perry quickly pointed, a score countered by Andy Williams’ white flag for Killenaule.

The crunch score came in the 44th minute when Cillian Morrissey, who had earlier pointed a free, netted for Rovers for a 2-6 to 0-6 lead.

There was no way back for Killenaule, though they never relented in their pursuit of scores. But their fate was put beyond doubt in the 53rd minute when Rovers’ sub Hugh Carolan signalled his arrival in style, finishing another sweet Rovers move with a goal, adding to the point he had scored a minute earlier.

This is a very talented Moyle Rovers outfit, who now face JK Brackens, the Mid champions, in the county semi-final.

Rovers have quality throughout the field with Conor Hurley, Aaron McAndrew, Fred Perry, Cillian Morrissey and Conor Williams all turning in eyecatching performances, while Hugh Carolan will surely be pressing for a place in the starting line-up for the semi-final.

Killenaule can be proud of their effort. They too had many talented players but unfortunately for them, not enough of them.
Charlie Barrett was their top performer but the work of Danny Cashin, Darragh Doyle, Igor Miguel, Jack Morrissey and goalkeeper Sean O’Gorman was also noteworthy, as they chased their first title in the grade since 2006.

Moyle Rovers scorers: C Morrissey (1-2), C Egan, H Carolan (1-1 each), C Williams (0-2), D O’Gorman, S Perry, A McAndrew, M Maher (0-1 each).

Killenaule scorers: C Barrett (0-5, 1 x2pt), P Ryan, A Williams (0-1 each).

Moyle Rovers: James O’Brien; Liam Kelly, Aidan White, Jack Boland; Oisin McCarthy, Conor Hurley, Fergal Bradshaw; Aaron McAndrew, Fred Perry; Cillian Morrissey, Conor Williams, Conal Morrisson; Joe Donovan, Conal Egan, Darragh O’ Gorman.
Subs: Hugh Carolan, Sean Kelly, Michael Maher, Jack Duggan, Cathal Hickey.

Killenaule: Sean O’Gorman; Ben Browne, Danny Cashin, Shane O’ Dwyer; Rory Shelly, Darragh Doyle, Owen Fanning; Charlie Barrett, Andrew Munro; Pat Ryan, Igor Miguel, Luke Femnnelly; Darragh Lawrence, Jack Morrissey, Andy Williams.
Substitute: Eoin Ruttle.

Referee: Willie Fitzharris (Fr Sheehy’s).