St Michael's are Tipperary champions once again - win at Clonmel Celtic ensures title

Clonmel Credit Union Premier League

Clonmel Celtic 0 – 1 St Michael’s

Not winning the TSDL Premier League title in 2022/2023 hurt St Michael’s, but the Tipperary town side made up for it on Saturday night last when they took back the league from holders Peake Villa with a win against Clonmel Celtic on the Bypass in Clonmel.

But the hosts made the Saints battle hard for the positive result that saw them crowned Tipperary Southern & District League champions once again. In the end it took a single goal from the penalty spot to separate the sides, but it proved to be enough to spark celebrations among the travelling supporters.

It was a good quality first half that saw St Michael’s keeper Adrian Walsh deny Darren Sweeney on 20 minutes, while at the other end a chance that fell to Joey Mulcahy was easily saved by Fabian Kerton in the Celtic goal. All told, the home side probably shaded a tight first half that ended scoreless.

The second period continued in a similar trend, with the sides sharing possession before the turning point came on the hour mark, when the visitors were awarded a spot kick. Joey Mulcahy converted the opportunity to give his side the vital breakthrough.

There are not many better teams around at defending a single goal lead than St Michael’s, but Celtic came very close within five minutes to getting level, when Peter O’Dowd rattled the underside of the crossbar.

As the home side probed for an equaliser and began to chase the game, they left themselves vulnerable at times, and Rhys O’Regan nearly made the game safe late on with a shot that hit the post.

In the end the one goal was enough as the final whistle sounded and St Michael’s were back as TS&DL champions.

Jim Carr, St Michael’s captain, accepted the trophy and gave a gracious acceptance speech acknowledging the vital contributions of referees in the local game while also appreciating the support of his side’s backroom team throughout the season.