WEEK 16 MATCH REPORTS
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December 2025
Munster Youth Cup Rd 4 – Saturday 6th December 2025
Clonmel Town 1–2 Newmarket Celtic (Clare)
Clonmel Town bowed out of the Munster Youth Cup after a narrow 2–1 defeat in a fiercely contested tie at home. Newmarket Celtic started brightly, with Ricardo Lameda going closest early on when his low strike shaved the post.
The opening goal arrived on 34 minutes when an Alex Roche free-kick from the halfway line drifted all the way into the net. Town hit back instantly – captain Patrick Galka was taken down inside the area straight from the restart, and Sultan Gazal tucked away the resulting penalty to make it 1–1.
Clonmel pushed hard for the remainder of the half, with Colin Dillon producing key stops to keep the visitors level.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Town dominating possession and attacking intent. Shay Scully and Fred French Davis were constant threats, but it was Newmarket who struck again on the break – Jamie Mulqueen finishing calmly one-on-one after 57 minutes.
Even after Newmarket were reduced to ten men, Town could not find the leveller their performance deserved.
Verdict:
A heartbreaking exit for Clonmel Town, who controlled long spells of the match but were punished by two decisive moments. Despite their dominance and late pressure, a disciplined Newmarket defence held firm to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
Peake Villa 0–2 Lakewood Athletic (Cork)
Peake Villa hosted Cork side Lakewood in testing conditions but with the pitch in excellent shape thanks to the grounds staff.
The first half was a tight affair, with Lakewood edging possession. Villa keeper Dylan O’Dwyer produced two crucial stops, while at the other end Cian Heelan was equal to Villa’s half-chances. The sides went in scoreless at the break.
Villa lost Charlie Lawlor to injury early in the second half, with young Dean Troy stepping in. Lakewood began to find joy down the wings, and the deadlock was finally broken from a set piece – Darragh Sheehan rising highest to power home a header.
Villa attempted to respond through Jason Patterson and the lively Troy, but the visitors doubled their lead on the counter in the 68th minute through Cian O’Flynn.
Despite continued effort, Villa could not break down a compact Lakewood defence.
Verdict:
A frustrating afternoon for Peake Villa, who worked hard but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Lakewood’s physicality and sharp moments in attack proved the difference as they left with a deserved victory.
Best for Villa: Sean Bergin, Marcos Zamora, Izaghi Freitas
Sunday 7th December 2025 – Division 2
Rosegreen 2–1 Oldbridge
Rosegreen started superbly despite playing into a strong wind, opening the scoring through a fine strike by Seanie O’Halloran. Their lead was doubled shortly after when Elliot Thompson finished a brilliant team move following an excellent cross from Stevie Brabston.
Oldbridge responded before halftime in unusual fashion when goalkeeper Peter O’Carroll launched a long kick that bounced over everyone and into the net.
The second half, played in deteriorating conditions, saw both sides push for further goals, but neither could convert their chances.
Verdict:
A gritty and well-earned win for Rosegreen, who showed character and quality in tough weather. Their two first-half goals proved enough in a match where both teams battled bravely to the final whistle.
Peake Villa (B) 3–4 Mullinahone
A seven-goal thriller in Villa saw the home side lose valuable ground in the Division 2 title chase. Villa got off to a flying start with Robbie Stapleton scoring after just five minutes, but Mullinahone hit back immediately through Alex Maher.
Villa reclaimed the lead on 17 minutes when Jordan Fahey slid a superb pass to Tommy McGuire, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Mullinahone equalised once more before halftime through a Philip Dunne penalty.
The second half continued at the same frantic pace. Villa went 3–2 ahead in the 49th minute when a Baltins corner was flicked on by Kevin Croke, allowing McGuire to tap home his second.
Mullinahone again found a response, with Eoin O’Dwyer levelling on 57 minutes. Villa pushed hard for a winner – McGuire struck the post and another dangerous ball was scrambled away – but deep into injury time, Philip Dunne struck his second of the day to steal the points for the visitors.
Verdict:
A pulsating encounter that Villa will feel slipped away. Despite leading three times, defensive lapses and missed chances proved costly as Mullinahone showed resilience and snatched a dramatic late winner.
Best for Villa: Tommy McGuire, unlucky not to complete a hat-trick.
Sunday 7th December 2025 – Division 3
Donohill 5–2 Tipperary Town (B)
Donohill closed out their 2025 home fixtures in style with a strong 5–2 victory. Denis Collins O’Dwyer opened the scoring, with Dinny Crosse adding a second before halftime.
Tipp Town B came out fighting after the break, goals from Timmy Esmonde and Josh Brown pulling them level at 2–2. But Donohill responded superbly – Dinny Crosse completing his hat-trick before Liam Crosse added a late fifth to seal a convincing win.
Verdict:
A powerful finish to the year for Donohill, who showed composure after being pegged back and finished the game with real attacking authority. A well-deserved three points and strong momentum heading into the break.