Seconds claim first of League double quest for Killavilla

North Tipperary and District League Review

By Gary Culbert

Second Division

League leaders Killavilla United welcomed second place Borrisokane to Villa Park on Sunday, knowing that a point would see them crowned champions with a game to spare.

The home side were dominant from the first whistle, leaving no doubt as to who the best team in the second division were this season. Owen Tynan opened the scoring just after the half hour, a right-footed curling effort from the left side of the area which gave Jason Quigley with no chance.

The experienced Craig Phelan was dangerous throughout, and ten minutes into the second half the former first team player got his reward. It was a cultured outside of the boot finish from Phelan as all he had to do was cushion it in after Fionn Ryan had all the hard work done, beating his man down the right before whipping a very inviting cross into the six yard box.

The game finished 2-0, a scoreline that flattered Borrisokane who looked tired on the big pitch in Villa Park, struggling to get any real passing moves going, opting to go long early.

Borrisokane’s season is finished now as the Stephen McGrath Cup (a step-down competition for teams knocked out in the early rounds of the Nora Kennedy Cup) is not taking place this season. It is harsh to achieve the milestone of 40 points and not win any trophy, but player manager Andy Nevin will be happy enough with promotion and the continuation of men’s soccer in Borrisokane.

In his presentation speech, NT&DL committee member Richie Kennedy praised the ethos of the Killavilla United ‘B’ team, in particular how head coach Adrian Elbert utilised a mixture of youth and experience for the overall benefit of the club and team.

Killavilla do have one remaining league game left to play against Sallypark Odhrans ‘B’.

However, that game might not go ahead as the Latteragh side have been suspended from the NT&DL following their walkover defeat to Ardcroney ‘B’ two weeks ago.

That was the second concession of a walkover this season by Sallypark ‘B’, which was breach of NT&DL rule number 41: “a team failing to fulfil a fixture for a second time in any one season… shall be suspended from the league”.

Prior to the rule breach and subsequent sanctions Sallypark Odhrans ‘B’ were in the second division Nora Kennedy Cup final and also the semi-finals of the Kevin Fogarty Tipperary Cup. The club has a period of time to appeal the decision with the Munster Football Association at a cost of €350, which is refunded in the case of successful appeals.

Premier Division - Ricky Fogarty Cup

Sallypark Odhrans ‘A’ advanced to the semi-finals of the Premier Division Ricky Fogarty Cup on Sunday courtesy of a 3-1 win away to Holycross.

Liam Ryan played Jojo O’Meara in to give Holycross the lead ten minutes into the second half, but Sallypark pulled one back just after the hour mark through a proven source of goals down through the years, Eoin Ryan finishing off of a Danny O’Donoghue pass.

The Sallypark pressure increased from this point, culminating in an own goal by Holycross defender James King with ten minutes remaining. 18-year-old Padraig Ryan concluded the scoring just before full time, with Lee Mitchell providing the assist.

Sallypark are at home to BT Harps in the semi-finals this Sunday. The league leaders will of course be the favourites to reach the final, however this is going to be an absolute cracker of a game that will no-doubt be very close heading into the final furlong. Four goals and two red cards were evenly shared last time these sides met.

Killavilla United easily defeated a heavily depleted Ballymackey side 5-1 in the other quarter final on Sunday.

Tom Aherne got the onslaught underway inside the opening quarter of an hour before skipper Michael Ryan doubled the lead on the half hour. Aherne made it three at the start of the second half, before Aiden White pulled one back for Bally’ on the hour. The celebrations were short lived however as Villa emptied their bench and the subs were hungry for more goals; substitute Dylan Carey netting a brace in the closing stages to put a bit of gloss on the win.

Killavilla are at home to Arra Rovers in the second semi-final. Dermot O’Halloran’s side gave Villa a huge scare in the league last month, but home advantage should be enough to see the Roscrea outfit through to the final.

Looking towards the league run-in, on Monday, Killavilla were awarded three points for their upcoming game against Borroway Rovers, as the Thurles side have also breached the aforementioned rule 41 and were suspended from the NT&DL.

This leaves the holders needing a win from their away trip to Sallypark to set up a grand-stand league finale with BT Harps in Villa Park.