Strong finish ensures that Abbey CBS keep Munster football title in Tipperary

Abbey CBS Tipperary 2-8 Mitchelstown CBS 0-11

A final quarter scoring spree, when the Abbey School Tipperary scored 1-4, saw the defending champions retain the TUS Corn Dhonnacha Uí Nuanáin Cup at the expense of Mitchelstown CBS - who themselves were looking for a colleges double having won the Munster C Colleges title a week previously - in an absorbing final played at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock.

In what was an evenly-matched tie throughout, the Tipperary Town outfit's strong finish and impact from the bench paved the way for an impressive victory as their captain, Oola’s Paddy Downey, accepted the cup after they claimed the title at this grade for a record ninth time.

The opening quarter was even in possession and in chances. The Avondhu side opened the scoring when Darragh O’Brien popped over the first score of the afternoon in the fourth minute, with the Abbey responding in kind with a score from Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams clubman Orrin Jones.

The teams continued to swap points, with Conal Grogan and an impressive Evan Kennedy effort raising white flag, and the ever impressive O’Brien responding for the Cork men.

In the second quarter the Abbey dominated proceedings, launching numerous attacks, but on more than one occasion they failed to convert gilt-edged chances.

One chance they did convert involved a beautiful flowing move involving Liam Carew and Orrin Jones to release Galtee Rovers clubman Grogan to raise the Tipp side's first green flag of the afternoon. Mitchelstown, though, did not lie down and claimed the final two scores of the half through Darragh O’Brien frees.

On the resumption, Mitchelstown CBS made the running and thundered back into the tie. They had excellent performers in the middle third where Charlie English, Luke Keating and substitute Cathal Walsh played a big role in proceedings. In particular they had a star performance from full back Jamie Fogarty, who excelled throughout, thwarting many Abbey attacks. In this quarter they hit five points without reply to claim a two-point lead heading into the final quarter.

In this final quarter, however, the defending champions showed their mettle. The revival began when Orrin Jones and Shane O’Grady combined well to work the ball upfield at pace, resulting in a penalty for the west Tipperary side after Daniel O’Dwyer was fouled. Jones coolly slotted the penalty home to give his side a one-point lead with six minutes left on the clock.

Mitchelstown again responded, with O’Brien again pointing a free after excellent work from Kildorrery man Luke Keating.  The Abbey were now in the ascendancy and Galtee Rovers clubmen Bill Quirke and Daniel O’Dwyer combined well to push the Abbey in front once more.

The Tipp school were now looking to drive home their advantage and Emmet Bonner and Liam Carew set up Orrin Jones to kick a fine long range effort. Both sides then exchanged scores from Cathal Walsh and Conal Grogan, with Grogan finishing the day's scoring with an excellent free to secure to a three-point victory for his side. 

The game itself was energetic and at times frantic but played with real endeavour and honesty. From a footballing perspective within the county, Tipperary’s underage future should be bright, with numerous Tipperary players on show for both sides.

The Abbey were delighted to retain their crown. Their defence was excellent throughout, with Darragh O’Brien and Emmet Bonner tenacious in the tackle, while brothers Colin and Shane O’Grady carried numerous balls forward with intent.

Solohead's Stephen Dee was immense in the middle of the field for the men in green and white and was the engine behind the Abbey victory. Up front Orrin Jones and Conal Grogan shared 2-6 between them and in the half forward line Eoin Doocey and Cian O’Dwyer were industrious as always.

A key element of the Tipp team's victory was their bench, with David Ryan and Gavin Cussen excelling in defence. Bill Quirke's introduction in the middle of the field gave them a platform to win possession in the middle third, while Daniel O’Dwyer was involved in a goal and a point during his time on the field.

Mitchelstown were heroic in defeat. They too had excellent performers all over the field. Jamie Fogarty was excellent in the full back line. Charlie English was commanding at centre back and their midfield partnership of Cathal English and Shane Looney was effective at midfield.

Without doubt their star performer was Darragh O’Brien, who ended the game with eight points to his name.

Mitchelstown have the consolation of an All Ireland hurling semi-final in early March.

The Abbey march on to the All Ireland semi-final on Saturday February 25 against St. Attracta’s, Tubbercurry, Sligo, as they look to go one better then the class of 2022 and reach the All-Ireland final for the first time since 2015.

Abbey CBS: Robbie McGrath (Galtee Rovers), Sean Lewis (Arravale Rovers), Darragh O’Brien (Aherlow), Emmett Bonner (Galtee Rovers), Evan Kennedy (Galtee Rovers 0-1), Colin O’Grady (Oola), Paddy Downey (Oola), Stephen Dee (Solohead), Liam Carew (Aherlow), Shane O’Grady (Oola), Eoin Doocey (Arravale Rovers), Orrin Jones (Kickhams 1-2),  Cian O’Dwyer (Galtee Rovers), Conal Grogan (Galtee Rovers 1-4), Joe O’Dwyer (Kickhams).

Subs: David Ryan (Arravale Rovers) for Lewis, Bill Quirke (Galtee Rovers) for Doocey, Daniel O’Dwyer (Galtee Rovers 0-1) for O’Dwyer, Gavin Cussen (Arravale Rovers) for Kennedy, Gavin O’Meara (Arravale Rovers) for O’Dwyer.

Mitchelstown CBS: Callum Burke, Cian O’Brien, Jamie Fogarty, Declan Moriarty, Diarmuid O’Brien, Charlie English, Jake McNamara, Shane Looney, Cathal English, Colin McNamara, Darragh O’Brien, Paddy English, Ben Carey, Luke Keating, Kevin Cotter.

Subs used: Cathal Walsh, Matthew Fitzgibbon.