Excellent team performance secures Under 14 double for Killenaule
The Robins beat Clonmel Commercials by nine points
Killenaule 2-11 Clonmel Commercials 2-2
On a sunny but chilly afternoon in Monroe, Killenaule and Clonmel Commercials served up an entertaining and hard-fought Under 14 A South Football Final, with Killenaule eventually emerging victorious to complete a memorable south final double for the club following the recent success of their Under 14 C South title.
Killenaule last won this title in 2012.
Clonmel Commercials made the sharper start and settled quickly into the contest. Cillian McEvoy struck an early goal from play, while Harry Swain added a free as Commercials opened up a 1-1 to no score lead. Killenaule initially struggled to find their rhythm, but gradually worked their way back into the game through strong defending and improved possession around midfield.
Sam Blake impressed in defence for Killenaule, while James Kennedy worked tirelessly to link defence and attack. The momentum shifted midway through the half when Charlie Cleary found the net twice in quick succession, helping Killenaule hit 2-2 without reply. Cooper Cleary gained a strong foothold around midfield and on kickouts, creating several scoring opportunities as Killenaule began to take control, although a number of wides prevented them from extending their advantage further.
Commercials continued to battle and looked dangerous going forward, but Killenaule goalkeeper Liam Leahy produced an excellent save to deny a certain goal. Across the field, both teams competed fiercely, with defenders on either side working hard to contain attacks. Killenaule went in at half-time leading 2-3 to 1-2, with Killian Fitzgerald adding an excellent point from distance, while Harry Swain kept Commercials in touch from placed balls.
Killenaule carried their strong form into the second half, with Fitzgerald opening the scoring with his second point of the game. However, Commercials responded impressively and remained firmly in contention throughout. Donal Carroll struck for a crucial second goal for the Clonmel team to leave the minimum between the sides during a sustained purple patch. Goalkeeper Charlie O’Neill also impressed for Commercials with a solid display between the posts.
At a key stage of the match, Liam Leahy produced two outstanding saves to preserve Killenaule’s lead, and those moments proved significant as Killenaule regained momentum entering the final quarter. The winners finished strongly, registering six unanswered points to seal a deserved victory after an excellent team performance.
Charlie Cleary was influential in attack for Killenaule, while Sam Blake, Cooper Cleary and Liam Leahy also made major contributions. For Clonmel Commercials, Donal Carroll, Conor Harvey, Charlie O’Neill and Harry Swain were among their standout performers in a spirited display.
Killenaule: Liam Leahy; Sam Blake, Rian McLoughlin, Jamie Hannigan; Conor Shelly (captain), Jamie Skeehan, Odhran McLoughlin; James Kennedy (0-1), Cooper Cleary (0-1); Kyle Holohan (0-1), Killian Fitzgerald (0-3), Jack Fogarty; Cian O’Connor (0-1), Charlie Cleary (2-4), Leon O’Brien.
Subs used: Patrick Ryan, Ronan Fennelly, Sean Tuohy, Harry Hayes Ryan, Tom Walsh.
Clonmel Commercials: Charlie O’Neill; Donnacha Doran, John Fogarty, Seamus Meehan; Cian Trehy, Conor Harvey, Hugh McGarry; Donal Carroll, Cillian McEvoy; Paudie Power, Cormac Lucey, Harry Swain; Conor Mangan, Rian O’Neill, Cathal Devane.
Subs: James McGee, Oisín Kiely, Daniel Lacey, Paudie Grace.