Moyne Templetuohy and Knock produce the necessary to claim respective league titles
Moyne Templetuohy and Knock won the Mid Junior League finals played last week
John Healy Lawnmowers & Quads Mid Junior League Division 2 Final
Moyne Templetuohy 4-19
Clonakenny 0-13
Two goals in each half proved decisive as 14-man Moyne-Templetuohy claimed the Division 2 League title on Friday evening.
Played in blustery but dry conditions, the sides were evenly matched during the opening ten minutes. Moyne Templetuohy, playing with the aid of the elements, had three different scorers on the board in that period, with Tristan Kelly, Damien Cantwell and Conor Campion all raising white flags.
Stephen Maher and JP Griffin replied for Clonakenny before the first of four goals arrived for the winners. Tristan Kelly took on the Clonakenny defence before firing low to the net.
The teams traded scores in the following passages of play before Moyne Templetuohy were reduced to fourteen men in the 18th minute, Jack Reddan receiving a red card from referee Kevin Jordan for a high tackle. Stephen Maher’s accuracy from placed balls kept Clonakenny in touch as the score stood at 1-6 to 0-6 after 20 minutes.
The strong breeze continued to play its part, and Moyne Templetuohy made it count. A long, high ball into the edge of the square saw Damien Cantwell rise highest, turn and beat Walter Byrne in the Clonakenny goal.
To their credit, Clonakenny responded with the final two scores of the half through Maher, from a free, and the ever-dangerous Oisín O’Dwyer. Nevertheless, Moyne-Templetuohy went in leading 2-9 to 0-9 at the break.
With both the numerical advantage and the elements now in their favour, Clonakenny sought to make their move. Seán O’Dwyer opened the scoring in the second half before Maher added another free as Moyne Templetuohy’s indiscipline was punished.
However, Diarmuid Fogarty and Damien Cantwell responded with fine scores to steady their side.
The old saying that goals win games proved true once more when Moyne-Templetuohy struck for a third goal in the 36th minute. Diarmuid Fogarty reacted quickest to a long-range free and slotted the ball into the net.
Clonakenny again responded positively, with Maher continuing to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but at 3-11 to 0-13 after 40 minutes, they were running out of time.
That was to be Clonakenny’s final score of the contest. Moyne Templetuohy raised a fourth green flag moments later, effectively ending the game as a contest. They added further points through Conor Campion, Finn Jones and Jake Bowe to seal an emphatic 4-19 to 0-13 victory.
After the match, Board Secretary Mark Dunne presented the Division 2 League Trophy to Moyne Templetuohy captain Diarmuid Leahy.
Moyne Templetuohy: Tony Cantwell; Jimmy Campion, Joe Grady, Adam Jones; Donnacha Dunne, Paudie Gleeson, Sean Lyons; Diarmuid Fogarty (1-1), Diarmuid Leahy (1-1); Damien Cantwell (1-2), Tristan Kelly (1-2. 0-1f), Gavin Ryan (0-2); Jack Reddan, Finn Jones (0-2), Conor Campion (0-7, 0-4f).
Subs used: Leo Cleere for Damien Cantwell; Niall Russell for Paudie Gleeson; James Moloney for Gavin Ryan; Jake Bowe (0-2, 0-1f) for Finn Jones.
Clonakenny: Walter Byrne; Prionsias Matthes, Joe Stapleton, Conor Ryan; JP Griffin (0-1), Brian Mullaly, Mark Fogarty; John O’Meara, Paul Bergin; Jack Smith, Peader Smith, Sean O’Dwyer (0-2, 0-1f); Oisín O’Dwyer (0-1), Sean Stapleton, Stephen Maher (0-9, 0-8f, 0-1 65).
Subs used: Andrew Murray for Prionsias Matthews; Tommy Hennessy for Jack Smith; Liam Delaney for Peader Smith; Brian Shanahan for Sean Stapleton; Michael Costigan for Sean O’Dwyer.
Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)
Knock 2-16
Killea 1-17
On a day ideal for hurling, two local clubs arrived in Templetuohy to contest the Mid Division 4 League Final, and, as a contest, it did not disappoint in front of a fine crowd in Templetuohy on Sunday.
Killea came out of the blocks quicker than their opponents, registering 1-02 within minutes of the throw-in. Knock fought their way back into the game with goals from their goalkeeper, through a free, and Conor Bergin from play. Killea chipped away with points, and the sides went in at the break with Killea leading 1-10 to 2-4.
Killea started the second half brightly, with Jimmy Mullins landing a wonderful point inside thirty seconds. Knock’s Shane Davies levelled the match for the first time with an excellent score, but Killea responded immediately through Paul Mullins.
Fionn Kavanagh then brought the game level once more before Cian Rigney put Knock ahead for the first time with a point from play. Dan Coffey replied to level matters again as the tension continued to build.
Knock finished the stronger of the two sides, with fine points from Jamie Ryan and Roddy Teehan, who enjoyed an excellent game and finished with six points, proving decisive in the closing stages.
Killea unfortunately missed several scoring opportunities in the final ten minutes, with several chances drifting wide at crucial moments.
Well done to both teams on a fine match, with Knock emerging victorious on a final scoreline of 2-16 to 1-17.
Knock joint captains Mark Ryan and Joe Carroll collected the inaugural Seán O’Sullivan Cup in memory of a great Killea stalwart. Mid Tipperary GAA were delighted to accept the cup from the O’Sullivan family before throw-in.
Knock: Mark Ryan (1-0f); Sean Maher, Liam Carroll, Noel Fogarty; Stephen Carey (0-1), Brian Davis (0-1), Ian Treacy; Joe Carroll (0-3), Jamie Ryan (0-1); Sean Hoctor (0-1), James Synnott, John Ryan (0-1); Shane Davies (0-1), Conor Bergin (1-0), Roddy Teehan (0-6).
Subs used: Michael Fitzgerald for Sean Maher; Cian Rigney (0-1) for Sean Hoctor; Sam Carey for Liam Carroll.
Killea: Cathal O’Sullivan; Robert Crampton, Rickie Buckley, Aaron Ryan (0-2); Dinny Russell, Andy Mullins Tadhg Quinlan (0-1); Fionn Kavanagh (0-1), Jimmy Mullins (0-3); Paul Mullins (0-2), Tom Bourke (0-5), Bryan Bourke; Danny McAllister (0-1), Kieran McGellget (1-0), Dan Coffey (0-2).
Subs used: Mickey O’Meara for Danny McAllister; Joss Devine for Paul Mullins; Kyle Whelan for Rickie Buckley.
Referee: Seamus Delaney (JK Brackens)