Moneygall/Clonakenny win North Final goal-fest

North Tipperary Under 15 'B' Football Final

Moneygall/Clonakenny 9-7

Kiladangan 4-8

Report: Liam Hogan in Moneygall

Cian Ryan scored a whopping six goals as Moneygall/Clonakenny defeated Kiladangan in a thrill a minute North Tipperary Under 15 ‘B’ Football final last Thursday.

In a tremendous individual performance, the Moneygall/Clonakenny full forward scored four of his six green flags in a ten-minute spell from the 46th to 56th minutes, as his side pulled away after the final water break.

The fourteen-point winning margin was harsh on Kiladangan when you consider their performance as they were in the game right up to the final waterbreak when they trailed 5-6 to 4-7 after they produced their best period in the third quarter.

It was end to end stuff until Ryan took over but he was not the only standout player for the victors, of which there were many with Joe Stapleton, Killian Toohey, and Adam O’Brien providing sterling service for Tadgh Whyte and John Doughan up front for the winners.

Eoin Freeman, Richie Cullinane, John Maher, Dara Dwyer, Gavin McGrath, Evan Sherlock, Diarmuid Moloney, and Colm McGrath caught the eye for Kiladangan.

Yes, there were plenty of errors, but the enthusiasm displayed by the players on both teams was what one wished for.

The game was just three minutes old when Liam Delaney had the opening goal for Moneygall/Clonakenny. Kiladangan replied two minutes later with John Maher pointing before Richie Cullinan sinking the ball in the Moneygall net two minutes later. Kiladangan continued on the attack as Eoin Freeman and John Maher added a point each as the game reached the eleventh minute.

As both sides created numerous passing movements it was the 16th minute before Tadgh Whyte scored a free for Moneygall. One minute later the Combination side had their second goal through Cian Ryan after Oisin O’Dwyer delivered a high ball from the left corner. Colm McGrath gave Kiladangan back the lead before the teams retired for the first water break.

When play resumed Tadgh Whyte levelled with a splendid individual point and over the next five minutes, Moneygall/Clonakenny strengthened their grip with Whyte adding two points before Oisin O’Dwyer scored their third goal in the 25th minute. Indeed, the lead might have been greater but for Oisin Sheehan making a great save to deny Billy Gleeson.

Once Kiladangan recovered, Colm McGrath found the net and two minutes from half time another four-man move led to Eoin Freeman firing low past Paddy McCormack. Kiladangan now led 3-5 to 3-4 but the lead was short lived as Cian Ryan scored his second goal with a thundering drive to leave Moneygall 4-4 to 3-5 in front at half time.

After the interval, the visitors wasted little time in regaining their lead as Cathal Hayes had the ball in the net. Seconds later, Richie Cullinan increased Kiladangan’s lead to two as the small crowd were on the edge of their seats. Two quick points by Tadgh Whyte the combo level by the 38th minute but Eoin Freeman edged Kiladangan in front two minutes later.

As play swung from end to end both Paddy McCormack and Oisin Sheahan were busy between their respective posts. However, Sheehan’s line was breached in the 46th minute as Cian Ryan scored his third goal approaching the final waterbreak.

After play resumed, Ryan found the net once again before Tadgh Whyte added a point with Ryan making it 7-7 to 4-7 as Moneygall/Clonakenny had suddenly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

A pointed free by Colm McGrath was Kiladangan’s sole reply but by then the game was out of reach as the home side made sure with Ryan increasing his goal tally to six in the 56th minute with wing back Killian Toohey securing Moneygall/Clonakenny’s ninth major before the final whistle.

Moneygall/Clonakenny: Paddy McCormack; Darragh Ryan, Joe Stapleton, Andrew Murray; Cormac Hoolan, Cillian Toohey (1-0), Sam Carey; Shay Gleeson, Oisin Dwyer (1-0); Bobby Gleeson, John Doughan, Tadgh Whyte (0-8, 5f); Adam O’Brien, Cian Ryan (6-0), Liam Delaney (1-0).

Subs: Sam Stapleton for S Gleeson (12 inj); Shay Gleeson for B Gleeson (47); Killian Ryan for Delaney (57); Jamie Sayers for S Carey (58).

Kiladangan: Oisin Sheehan; Ciaran Gleeson, Con Egan, Jack Minehan; Darragh Dwyer, Gavin McGrath, Eoin Freeman (1-2); Evan Sherlock, Diarmuid Moloney; Diarmuid Fogarty, Richie Cullinan (1-1), Jack Maher (0-2); Cathal Hayes (1-0), Colm McGrath (1-3), Ben Kirwan.

Subs: Colin Ryan for Dwyer (54), Rory Gavin for Hayes (54), Paul Kennedy for Freeman (54); Eoin Kelly for Cullinan (60+1 inj).

Referee: Shane Hodgins (Knockshegowna).