North Tipperary left to rue missed chances as Clare spoil long-awaited Oscar Traynor Cup return

Oscar Traynor Cup - Munster Region - Round 1

NT&DL 0

CDSL 1

A goal down and a man up at half-time, the newest entrants to the prestigious Oscar Traynor inter-league competition, North Tipperary, threw the kitchen sink at Clare in the second half, but three big chances came and went, meaning Henry Newman’s charges have it all to do in their remaining group games with Limerick Desmond Football League and the Limerick District League in November and December in Templemore.

For years, North Tipp soccer was looked on as some second-tier league to South Tipp and Limerick. However, within the league, players, managers and supporters all knew that despite its obvious issues, there was still a crop of very good players playing in the North Tipperary and District League (NT&DL).

For over 20 years now, the NT&DL’s best players were denied the opportunity to compete at the top of their level via the Oscar Traynor competition, with the lack of ambition from the various NT&DL committees throughout those years almost vindicating the detractors of North Tipperary soccer.

Some players stayed loyal to their clubs during that time, while some moved leagues or teams in search of fulfilling their full potential; scratching that itch of competing at the peak of their ability.

Last Wednesday night, however, there was a ray of hope as finally, a new generation walked out on the field in the pristine navy and gold of the NT&DL, and while they could not undo the damage of the years without this level of football and the players that missed out, they could show a glimpse into the future.

There were plenty of positives from what was a passionate performance from an organised North Tipp side. With an average age just shy of 25, this youthful North Tipp side had a shaky start to Oscar Traynor life, going behind after just eight minutes when a deflected strike looped over the head of the helpless Julian Bentancourt in goal.

It took the NT&DL some time to get up to the pace of the game, but eventually they turned the tide and began to get on top. And as the Ennis rain got heavier, there was a flashpoint on the pitch which saw Clare reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time.

Having been the nail for most of the first half, Henry Newman’s side suddenly became the hammer. North Tipp went banging on the Clare door all through the second period and deep into injury time, but alas, the Banner bent but did not break.

Big chances fell to Moneygall midfielder Paul Costello, Rearcross striker James Deegan and Ballymackey striker James Kenneally, but all missed the target.

Because North Tipp were so long away from Oscar Traynor competition, most supporters who made the journey to Ennis came away rightly positive, as a 1-0 loss was not a terrible result for the first game back.

But some were left ruing the missed chances, because these players proved on the night that they belong at the top table and, with a little more quality in the final third, North Tipperary could have had a statement win and shown the Oscar Traynor competition what they have been missing.

Referee: Paudie Hayes