Clyda overcome Buttevant to take title

James Fitzgerald and Maurice O’Brien most impressive in the half backline.

At the other end points from key players Cian Conway (2) Roy Willis, James Buckley, Gavin Carey and James Fitzgerald moved them into a 0-6 to no score lead as the half time whistle approached. In injury time they were awarded a penalty when Chris O’Connell placed Tim Buckley who was upended in the square with Cian Conway making no mistake from the subsequent spot kick that helped them hold a 1-6 to no score lead at the interval.

On the changeover Clyda Rovers certainly set the early pace but on this occasion some bad wides as well as a much improved Buttevant back line kept the Rovers forwards at bay. Tim Buckley opened proceedings with a point before Buttevant got their account up and running when Casey O’Gorman pointed a free in the 40th minute with the same player adding another point from a free a minute later 1-7 to 0-2. Scores were at a premium for a while with the next score of the game coming in the 52nd minute when Roy Willis pointed for Clyda Rovers.

Over the next few passages of play Ryan Fowley and Cian Conway traded a point. In the 58th minute Clyda Rovers completed their scoring when substitute Tadhg O’Connor made an immediate impact when he kicked over a fine point. Buttevant added two late points by Adrian Noonan and Casey O’Gorman but there was no denying Clyda Rovers their well merited victory.

After the game John Roche, Treasurer of the Avondhu Board, presented the cup to the winning captain James Fitzgerald.