Cup victories for both Brideview A and Cappoquin/Railway
Sunday morning last saw the final of the new cup competition, the Dungarvan Leader Cup, take place at Leonard Fraser Park and with Brideview A confirming their superiority in the WW/EC Junior League, as they added this beautiful trophy to the three trophies they have won already this season. Once again neighbours Valley Rgs A came up short in a final against the Tallow team who were dominant after the opening 15mins.
The final of the Liam Fitzgerald Cup was played on Sunday afternoon at Fitzgerald Park with Valley Rgs B losing out in a very entertaining game to Cappoquin/Railway 3-2. Not a great day for the Conna club, losing two finals within a few hours of each other.
The draw for the Ned Barry Cup, sponsored by Pollard Stonework, took place on Sunday morning last and there will be three games this Sunday to commence the competition. The draw was made by Eddie Pollard (sponsor) and the following are the three games - Valley Rgs A have a bye into the semi-finals; Kinsalebeg v Cappoquin, Valley Rgs B v Lismore, Brideview v Inch. The semi-finals will see Valley Rgs B/ Lismore v Brideview/Inch; Valley Rgs A v Kinsalebeg/Cappoquin/ Railway. These games will be played w/e 14th May and the final will be played at Lismore on Saturday, 21st May with a 6.30pm kick off.
DUNGARVAN TYRE CENTRE CUP FINAL Brideview A 4 Valley Rgs A 1
The first final of the new cup competition, the Dungarvan Leader Cup, took place on Sunday morning last at Leonard Fraser Park with Brideview A once again defeating neighbours Valley Rgs A in another final. This was a final we all looked forward to as they have met in a number of finals in the past few seasons with the Tallow team coming out on top on all occasions. Our colleague Paddy reported on the game and we joined him in selecting the Dungarvan Leader sponsored Man of the Match Award.
On a beautiful May Sunday morning and on an excellent playing surface (compliments here to Gerard Hogan), Valley attacked from the moment Simon Drislane blew his whistle to get the final underway and it was obvious Valley were really up for the final. They were fast and sharp in the tackles and were not giving any space to the Brideview midfielders to play their normal passing game, but as always happens, Brideview got into their stride and in fact created the first chance of the game when a cross from McGrath was cut out by Rob English at the heart of the Valley defence.
After the opening barrage from Valley, Michael Curley and Eric Hickey at midfield for Brideview started to show their years of experience and on 10mins a poor clearance by the Valley defence set Curley up and with a beautiful strike from the outside the corner of the area, the ball sailed over Valley ‘keeper Alan Carr into the top of the net for the lead goal.
3mins later a brilliant move by Brideview put Eoin McGrath through who gave Carr no chance in goal - a two goal lead for the league champions. Those couple of minutes seemed to unsettle Valley as within another 5mins a brilliant cross from Curley on the right wing across goal saw the inrushing Richie Ryan side foot the ball home for a third Brideview goal. So, we had three Brideview goals in 18 mins and they were definitely in the driving seat.
Credit Valley, they battled back and needed a goal to keep them in the game, but the advantage was definitely with the Tallow team. Rob English cut the lead when he headed to the net from a right wing cross, 3-1. But with 2mins remaining to the half-time whistle, Dave McInerney was brought down in the area and Michael Curley had the opportunity to put the game out of Valley’s reach. But his spot kick was brilliantly saved by Carr in the Valley goal and we all felt that this was the spur the Conna team needed at half-time.
The main topic amongst the fans at half-time was what did Valley need to do to get back into the game and everyone felt a quick goal to put the pressure on Brideview, who seemed to be playing well within themselves in the opening half.
But typical Brideview, with a three goal advantage they went on the attack from the restart. Carr made a good save from McInerney on 52mins, while at the other end McGrath headed clear from a good Valley attack. With Brideview continuing to press forward, the game needed a Valley goal, but it was McGrath who brought a good save from Carr. The Brideview defence was excellent with Ryan Grey outstanding and he dealt with any high ball around the area. In fact, Jamie Murphy in the Brideview goal had a much easier morning than his counterpart Alan Carr.
With two minutes of normal time remaining, a shot from McInerney on the right wing into the area was deflected by a defender past a helpless Carr for an o.g. and the fourth goal for Brideview.
Brideview played out the final few minutes in the knowledge they once again got the better of their close neighbours and rivals.
At the final whistle there was no denying that the better team on the day won and while Valley gave their all as usual, they just could not deal with a Brideview midfield that has over the years got the better of every team in the league. Valley battled to the very end and never gave up but came up against one of the most consistent teams that we have ever seen in the league. This team has a winning mentality that those of us with years of service in the league have not seen before. Unfortunately, a very good Valley team have come up against this Brideview team for the past few years and having seen Valley so many times, we feel they are good enough to have had a few cups and at least one league to their name. But Brideview constantly stand in their way.
We believe Valley’s day is not too far away and manager Paul Geary has a squad that will bring honours to Conna in the very near future.
Brideview A - Jamie Murphy, Kevin Henley, Ben Aherne, Ryan Grey, Michael Tobin, Donnacha Mulcahy, Richie Ryan, Eric Hickey, Dave McInerney, Michael Curley, Eoin McGrath. Reserves - Jake Chambers, Shane Guildea, Stephen Pratt, Dave Kingston, Kieran Geary, Shane Roche, Dylan Mangan.
Valley Rgs A - Alan Carr, Kieran Kelleher, Juan Ohrim, Rob English, Killian Gleeson, John Noonan, Tom Hartnett, Adrian Carr, Jack Lazack, Ed Kenneally, Helder Alberto. Reserves - Facunda, Graham O’Neill, Jack Murphy, John Carr, Paul Geary.
Referee was Simon Drislane, with assistants Kieran Hayes and Keith Hornibrook. All three were excellent and kept the game moving and they were helped by two sporting teams that know each other so well.
Man Of The Match - The award was sponsored by the Dungarvan Leader and the two Paddy’s were tasked with selecting the winner. Both agreed there were a few candidates, with Ryan Grey, Richie Ryan, Dave McInerney all from Brideview; and goalkeeper Alan Carr, Rob English and Adrian Carr all from Valley Rgs.
However, both agreed that once again Michael Curley, Brideview was the Man of the Match. He scored the first goal, created the third goal, and when Valley threatened, especially after half-time, he helped out in defence. His overall display helped Brideview to once again win a major trophy.
After the game, league chairman Dick Sheehan thanked both teams for a very good and sporting final, congratulating Brideview on their victory and commiserating with Valley Rgs who battled to the very end.
Dick thanked the Brideview club for putting the club facilities at the disposal of the league, especially the pitch which was excellent for final. He complimented the referee and his assistants and then went on to thank the Dungarvan Leader for sponsoring the competition, for without sponsorship the league would not be able to run competitions.
The chairman then announced the Man Of The Match and asked Michael Curley to step forward to receive his award. Sean Byrne, representing the Dungarvan Leader, presented Michael with his award.
Valley Rgs received their runners-up medals from Billy Coleman and John Byrne, Dungarvan Leader and they presented Brideview with their winners’ medals.
Billy and John then presented Brideview captain, Michael Curley with the Dungarvan Leader Cup.
Michael Curley thanked the Dungarvan Leader for their sponsorship, the WW/EC Junior League committee, the referee and his assistants and Valley Rgs for a sporting game. He said Valley’s day will arrive and concluded by thanking his own players for their commitment to the team.
So ended the very first Dungarvan Leader Cup final and we take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the cup competition such a success and we all look forward to next season.
LIAM FITZGERALD CUP FINAL Cappoquin/Railway 3 Valley Rgs B 2
The final of the Liam Fitzgerald Cup was played on Sunday afternoon at Fitzgerald Park and after an exciting and very close game, Cappoquin/Railway defeated Valley Rgs by the odd goal of five. With Valley A losing out to Brideview A in the morning in the Dungarvan Leader Cup final, it was up to Valley B to get their hands on a trophy a few hours later. On a beautiful pitch ideal for a cup final and in perfect weather conditions, the game got off to a slow start, but gradually both teams settled and we got an exciting cup final.
12mins into the game Cappoquin/Railway struck when Ivan Cliffe headed home a free kick from Joey Purtill. Minutes later they had the ball in the net again, but it was ruled offside. Play swung from end to end and in the 28th minute Brendan Daly equalised for Valley when he chased the ball into the area and gave Andrew O’Connor no chance in goal. Minutes later Valley took the lead and what a goal, worthy of winning any cup final. Oran Crotty got possession 30 yards from goal and just let fly, that saw the ball heading for the corner of the net down low, with O’Connor diving full length getting his hands to the ball, but pushing it against a post and it flew behind him into the net. O Connor then saved brilliantly from Daly and at half-time Valley were leading 2-1.
The second half followed the same pattern as the opening 45mins with both teams attacking and in the 70th minute a free to Cappoquin/ Railway saw Aidan Mansfield strike the ball from just inside the Valley half and the ball ended in the net with the ‘keeper and defenders too slow to react. Shortly after at the other end a Valley player received a second yellow and a red card and the extra man definitely made a difference. With about 10mins remaining, Cappoquin/Railway’s Caelin Foley was fouled just outside the area and the free kick was hit to the net by Aidan Mansfield and they held out against the ten Valley players to the final whistle. A good and entertaining game with very little to choose between the sides.
Cappoquin/Railway - Andrew O’Connor, Evan Mansfield, Jevon Flynn, Cian Murphy, Ivan Cliffe, Aidan Mansfield, Joey Purtill, Shane Dunne, Caelin Foley, Bernard Wright, Craig Dunne. Reserves - Colin Walsh, Michael Dalton, Sean Hale Cullinane, Bradley Keane, Eanna Drohan, Ciaran Power.
Valley Rgs B - Gracjan Platek, David Walsh, Stephen O’Donovan, Don O’Connell, Finbarr O’Connell, Dylan Crotty, Jevon Moorhouse, Eddie Geaney, Brendan Daly, Oran Crotty, Francis Warren. Reserves - Kyle Ettoh, Aaron Long, Mikey Cronin, Domon Warren, Patrick Flood, William Navaz.
Referee was Eamonn Cusack, with assistants Keith Hornibrook and Stephen Pratt. Compliments to all three for making this an enjoyable game.
Man of the Match - There were a few candidates from both teams but we selected Aidan Mansfield, Cappoquin/Railway for his two excellent goals from free kicks that turned the game in his club’s favour, winning the game.
After the game, league chairman Dick Sheehan congratulated both teams on an exciting final and he thanked the Kinsalebeg club for the use of their pitch, and the match officials.
Dick presented the runners-up medals to Valley and the winners Cappoquin/Railway with their medals and then, the Liam Fitzgerald Cup to team captain, Shane Dunne who suitably replied.
PREVIEWS
This Sunday will see three games in the Ned Barry Cup taking place, sponsored by Pollard Stonework. The Ned Barry Cup has not been played since the 2018/19 season when the pandemic struck and all sport was cancelled. The draw was made last Sunday and there are seven teams entered, with Valley Rgs A receiving a bye into the semi-final.
Kinsalebeg v Cappoquin/Railway
Cappoquin/Railway return to Fitzgerald Park a week after winning the Liam Fitzgerald Cup at the same venue. They were runners-up to Brideview B in The Avondhu 1st Division and will be full of confidence after the cup victory last Sunday. Kinsalebeg finished bottom of the division and lost out to Valley Rgs B in the Liam Fitzgerald Cup semi-final. In that game, they had only ten players but battled bravely for a 1-1 draw and lost out to Valley in a penalty shoot-out.
Cappoquin/Railway will come to Fitzgerald Park full of confidence following their cup victory last Sunday and it is difficult to see them losing if they play as they did on Sunday. We expect them to have their name in the semi-finals, where they would play away to Valley Rgs A.
Valley Rgs B v Lismore
Lismore will travel to Conna knowing they have won the Ned Barry Cup on four consecutive occasions, 2011/12 to 2014/15. The Barry Cup has a special place in the Lismore club, as the cup commemorates Ned Barry, a founding member of Lismore AFC in 1955. In the league just finished, Lismore finished as runners-up to the winners, Brideview A and lost two weeks ago to Brideview A in the semi-final of the Dungarvan Leader Cup.
Valley B lost out to Cappoquin/ Railway last Sunday in the final of the Liam Fitzgerald Cup. They played very well and there was little to choose between themselves and the winners. If they have the same squad of players available they will be a very difficult opposition for the club that once had the reputation of being the cup experts, with the successes they had in all cup competitions since the beginning of the league 50 years ago.
But teams change in personnel through the years and they have not won the cup since 2015. Lismore did win the Mari Mina Pharmacy Premier in season 2018/2019.
This has the makings of a very good game and Lismore will probably start as favourites to be in the semi-final against the winners of Brideview and Inch.
Brideview v Inch
Brideview became the first winners of the Dungarvan Leader Cup last Sunday morning when defeating Valley Rgs A in the final. So far this season they have also won the Mari Mina Pharmacy Premier, the Tony Bolger Cup and the Pollard President’s Cup. Brideview are the holders of the Ned Barry Cup which they won in season 2018/19, the last time the cup was played for as the pandemic caused a cancellation of all sport after that. Brideview had also won the cup the previous season 2017/18 and also won the cup in 2015/16, winning the Ned Barry Cup a total of three times since the competition commenced in season 2009/10.
Inch lost last week to Valley Rgs A in the Dungarvan Tyre Cup semi-final which was played midweek under lights at Cappoquin. They were leading by 2-0 at halftime, but conceded four times in the second 45mins to lose out. This was a disappointing result for the Inch team as they had a strong squad on the night.
This will be a real test for them on Sunday morning, but it is difficult to see them defeating an inform team and we make Brideview favourites to be in the semi-final against either Valley Rgs B or Lismore.
FIXTURES SUNDAY, 8TH MAY
Ned Barry Cup (sponsored by Pollard Stonework) - Kinsalebeg v Cappoquin/Railway 11am, E Cusack; Brideview v Inch 11am, K Hornibrook; Valley Rgs B v Lismore 2pm, K Hayes.
SYMPATHY
We were sorry to hear of the death of Maurice Wade, Old Parish which occurred two weeks ago. The late Maurice played with Lismore AFC in the early ‘70’s and was also involved with the Youghal Carpet team that competed in the Youghal Factory League, which was as competitive a league as any of the established leagues.
Maurice’s son, Sean is a playing member of Kinsalebeg Celtic in the WW/EC Junior League. To the Wade and extended families, we send sincere sympathy. Ar dheis Dé ar a anam.
AIRTRICITY LEAGUE
Last weekend was a busy weekend in the Airtricity League with games played on Friday night and Monday afternoon.
Waterford had no game on Friday night, but Cork City and Cobh Ramblers both had games. Cork City welcomed the improving Longford Town to Turner’s Cross and before an attendance of 2,300 City won 4-1 to maintain their three point advantage over Galway, who also won on the night. The visitors took the lead in the 44th minute when club captain Sam Verdon headed to the net. However, the lead was short-lived when City equalised through Kevin O’Connor in injury time. There are those who say the goal was an o.g.
Ten minutes after the restart Cork City took the lead when Barry Coffey found the net and he then scored his second goal with four minutes remaining. The final goal came a minute later through Darragh Crowley to give the league leaders an emphatic victory – they continue to lead the division.
With Galway winning against Treaty Utd, there is just three points separating the sides as they head into bank holiday Monday’s games. By the time our notes appear in print, Cork City will have had Treaty Utd as visitors to Turner’s Cross on Monday afternoon last and this is an important game for both teams, especially Treaty who gave up a two goal lead, to lose 2-3 on Friday evening last at home to Galway Utd.
This was a disappointing result for the Shannon side team. Duty had us at the Markets Field and with Treaty leading 2-0 into the second half and playing the better football, Galway manager John Caulfield made three changes and all of a sudden, one could see the changes making a difference. In the final 18 minutes, they scored three times to give Galway the three points, who remain in second spot with a game in hand. No doubt Tommy Barrett will bring his Treaty to Turner’s Cross looking for the win that will see them move up the table, but this is a tough ask at the home of the league leaders. We will give a short report of the game in the notes next week.
Cobh Ramblers travelled to the Carlisle Ground last Friday night and came away with a deserved share of the points in a 1-1 draw. After losing the previous week at home in the local derby with Cork City, this was an important point for the Ramblers. They were awarded a penalty after 20mins, but the home ‘keeper saved Beineon O’Brien’s spot kick at the expense of a corner. From the resultant flag kick, Conor Drinan found the net to give Cobh the lead. They held the lead until injury time in the opening half when Bray equalised.
The second half was scoreless with both goalkeepers making saves and the Ramblers Sean Barron, back after injury, was once again outstanding. Daryl Walsh came on as a second half replacement for Danny O’Connell. This Friday, Cobh travel to the RSC to play Waterford.
Waterford as we wrote at the start had no game last Friday but had bottom of the table Athlone Town as visitors to the RSC on Monday. Our notes will be with the papers by the time of the result.
This Friday night we have a Munster derby when Cobh Ramblers come to the RSC. When they met a few weeks back at St. Colman’s Park, the Blues came out on top 4-0. Waterford need to take all six points from the home games this week if they want to make the knockout stages of the league, as Cork City and Galway are moving further away from them at present. As we complete our notes on Monday morning, we have not heard of who the new Blues’ manager will be, although there are plenty of names being mentioned at present.
Finally, all League of Ireland followers were saddened to hear during the week of the death of former Limerick goalkeeper, Freddie Hall. Freddie died in his home country Bermuda following a car accident. He played for Limerick for three years (2015-2018) and we saw him between the posts many times at the Markets Field for the Super Blues, as the team are known Shannon side. Freddie Hall played internationally for Bermuda and captained his country in a World Cup qualifier in June 2015. He leaves behind wife Shareena and daughter Stacy, to whom all League of Ireland fans send sincere sympathy.