Ricky Fogarty Final to draw curtain down on season
By Gary Culbert
2-0 wins for both Ballymackey and Killavilla United on Sunday means they will meet in Michael Fennell Park, Templemore, this Sunday in the Ricky Fogarty Premier Division Cup final.
Second half goals from David Haverty and Aidan White were enough for Ballymackey to secure a place in the final when defeated Clodiagh Rangers Ballinree.
Meanwhile in Thurles, Borroway Rovers held out until the second half against the league champions Killavilla United, before they found the net through Tom Ahern and Dion Carney to set up a shot at the league and cup double.
The Ricky Fogarty Premier Cup final will draw the curtain down on the 2021 NTDL season. A break in the action is welcome for players and management alike as it has felt like a long campaign due to the quick turnaround from the Covid stricken 2020 season.
It is unknown currently what length off-season we are facing into, but before attention turns to the boundless ‘Winter or Summer season’ debate, there is the small matter of the Premier Cup final on Sunday.
Ballymackey have gone from strength to strength as the season progressed, whilst Killavilla arguably saw their best form early in the campaign.
These sides picked up home wins over each other in the league and had very little between them at the top of the table when all was said and done, so it is a very difficult game to call.
Ballymackey will line out with a young and exciting side who can play some attractive football but will also have one or two experienced players in key areas which will be crucial on Cup final day.
The league champions will be hoping that their big match players like Paul Kirwan and Tom Ahern once again stand up and be counted when needed most, like they did against Clodiagh Rangers in Drombane to secure the title.
The presence of Ruairi Murphy or Gearoid Murphy in the Killavilla or Ballymackey teams respectively could be the deciding factor in this one, but either way it is sure to be a great send off to the 2021 NTDL season in Templemore this Sunday with kick-off at 11.30am.