TSDL WEEK 2 MATCH REPORTS
(23rd–24th August 2025)
Saturday the 23rd of August 2025 Premier League
Two Mile Borris 1–0 St. Michael’s
Saturday night at Newhill Park brought one of the most anticipated fixtures of the young season, as reigning champions St. Michael’s rolled into town. The stands were packed, the atmosphere electric, and both sides knew this was an early test of their title credentials.
The first half was tight and tactical. Borris, dominated possession, moving the ball with patience, but both Michaels and Borris defended with discipline, Borris were snapping into tackles and frustrating the champions. Chances were scarce — the best fell to St. Michael’s when a low cross just evaded their striker at the near post, while at the other end Jake Jordan saw a speculative effort drift wide.
The game exploded into life right after the break. Within a minute of the restart, a slick passing exchange through midfield released Jordan down the right, who slipped a clever ball into Jason Kelly. Without hesitation, Kelly drove into the box and lashed a superb low shot across the keeper into the far corner. The roar from the home support shook the ground — Borris 1–0 up against the champions.
From there, it was all about resilience. Borris almost doubled their lead when Jordan fizzed a shot narrowly wide, and they remained dangerous on the counter with Urban Nolan’s pace a constant outlet. St. Michael’s pushed for an equaliser, forcing a string of corners and set pieces. They thought they’d levelled on the hour when the ball was bundled in from close range, but the assistant’s flag cut short the celebrations.
The final 15 minutes were tense. Borris defended deep, throwing bodies in front of everything, while keeper Thomas Kennedy made a crucial stop late on to deny a looping header. When the whistle blew, the home fans poured onto the pitch — their side had not only beaten the champions but made a statement that Borris will be no pushovers this year.
Scorer: Jason Kelly (46’)
A huge three points for Borris, showing their defensive grit and ability to strike decisively. For St. Michael’s, it’s a reminder that retaining titles is never easy — and every team will want to take their scalp.
Saturday the 23rd of August 2025 Division 2
Cahir Park B 4–1 St. Nicholas
Cahir Park B opened their Division 2 campaign with a dramatic 4–1 victory at home to St. Nicholas, showing resilience to come from behind and then flair to finish the job late on.
The game could not have started worse for the hosts. Barely 50 seconds had passed when Jason Sutton stunned the home crowd, capitalising on a defensive lapse to fire St. Nicholas into a 1–0 lead. For a few minutes, Cahir looked rattled, but slowly they found their composure and began to grow into the game.
By the 14th minute, they were creating clear chances. Hichem Birem struck the crossbar with a thunderous effort, and moments later Seanie Kiernan somehow lifted a close-range chance over the bar when it seemed easier to score. The breakthrough finally came on 23 minutes. Birem, a constant menace down the left, worked space brilliantly before flashing a low ball across the six-yard box where Conor Murphy tapped in from close range to level it up.
The half finished 1–1, but both sides had their moments. St. Nicholas looked dangerous on the counter, using their pace to stretch the game, while Cahir pressed and probed for another goal.
After the restart, it was Cahir who seized control. On 53 minutes, Leigh Murphy struck a sweet low drive from the edge of the box to put his side in front for the first time. Their momentum was checked, however, when goalscorer Conor Murphy was shown a straight red card just after the hour, leaving the home side down to 10 men.
St. Nicholas looked to take advantage, but the Park defence, marshalled superbly by Andy Fitz, held firm, restricting the visitors to half-chances. As the clock ticked towards full-time, the hosts not only stood strong but finished in style.
On 88 minutes, from a corner, Darragh Conway executed a spectacular bicycle kick that flew into the net — a contender already for goal of the season. Two minutes later, fittingly, it was Birem who capped off his superb display, racing into the box and slotting home to seal a 4–1 victory.
Scorers:
Cahir Park: Conor Murphy (23’), Leigh Murphy (53’), Darragh Conway (88’), Hichem Birem (90’)
St. Nicholas: Jason Sutton (1’)
A rollercoaster for Cahir Park B — stunned early, reduced to 10 men, yet still found a way to dominate and finish with real swagger. St. Nicholas will take encouragement from their bright start but were ultimately undone by Park’s resilience and late attacking flurry.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Premier League
Clonmel Celtic 1–3 Cullen Lattin
Cullen Lattin picked up their first Premier Division win of the season with a clinical second-half display away to Clonmel Celtic, overturning a deficit to run out 3–1 winners.
The first half was a cagey affair. Celtic enjoyed the greater share of possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Cullen defence. Their patient build-up lacked a cutting edge in the final third, while Cullen, more direct in their approach, looked threatening from set pieces. The best chance of the half fell to Andrew Vance, who found himself unmarked from a corner only to scoop his effort over from close range. With neither side showing composure in front of goal, the sides went in at the interval locked at 0–0.
The game came to life after the restart. On 56 minutes, Celtic struck first when David Morrissey released Ayo Williams down the right. His whipped cross to the back post was met perfectly by Kyle Cuddy, whose firm header flew past the keeper to give the home side the lead.
The advantage was short-lived. Cullen forced a corner shortly after, and Tony O’Neill’s delivery to the back post was met by Vance, who powered his header home to level the game. From that moment, Cullen seized the initiative.
On 66 minutes, Cullen went in front with a move of real quality. Dylan McGrath delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left, and O’Neill, who had already provided an assist, rose above the defence to head in Cullen’s second. Celtic pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their vulnerability from set pieces was exposed again late on. Another O’Neill corner caused chaos, and this time Michael Elligott climbed highest to nod in Cullen’s third and seal the points.
Scorers:
Clonmel Celtic: Kyle Cuddy (56’)
Cullen Lattin: Andrew Vance (59’), Tony O’Neill (66’), Michael Elligott (83’)
Celtic will be frustrated to have let their lead slip, particularly with their inability to defend set pieces. Cullen, meanwhile, showed character and quality, with Tony O’Neill influential in both creation and scoring. A deserved away win that lifts their confidence for the weeks ahead
Cahir Park 1–0 Peake Villa
Cahir Park produced a gutsy and disciplined home performance to claim a memorable 1–0 victory over Peake Villa, sending a clear message that they will not be an easy scalp this season.
Villa started the stronger, immediately pinning the hosts back. Within just four minutes, they almost took the lead, only for Cahir keeper Marc Cagney to produce a stunning double save from close range — the kind of moment that sets the tone for a team’s day. That early scare seemed to spark Cahir into life.
By the 10th minute, the home side began to settle, keeping their shape and soaking up pressure. Led by skipper Chris Higgins, Cahir’s back line was superbly organised, frustrating Villa who looked most dangerous from set-pieces. Time and again corners were whipped into the box, and time and again Cahir’s defence stood tall to clear their lines. The half ended goalless, but Villa were beginning to show signs of frustration.
The second half started with a bang. Barely a minute in, Rhys Byron was bundled over in the box by the Villa keeper. The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot, and up stepped Niall Daly, who sent the keeper the wrong way with a calm finish to put Cahir 1–0 ahead on 47 minutes.
From then on, it was all about grit and determination. Villa dominated possession, probing and pressing, but they couldn’t find a way through Cahir’s compact defensive block. Half-chances came and went — a header over the bar, a shot flashing wide — but the equaliser never arrived.
As the clock ticked down, Cahir Park dug in deeper, cheered on by a vocal home crowd sensing an upset. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations said it all — a hard-fought three points, a clean sheet, and a perfect start to their Premier Division campaign.
Scorer: Niall Daly (pen, 47’)
Cahir Park showed steel, resilience, and organisation to grind out a result against one of the league’s heavyweights. Peake Villa will feel they left points behind after dominating possession but failing to convert. For Cahir, this win is more than just three points — it’s a statement that they belong at this level.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Premier League
Cashel Town 2–2 Clonmel Town
Palmershill hosted a classic as Cashel and Clonmel Town shared four goals and left nothing in the tank. Both teams came flying out of the traps in front of a lively crowd, and it didn’t take long for the net to ripple.
On just six minutes, Clonmel struck first. A sweeping move down the right ended with Sean Browne timing his run perfectly to meet a low cross, slotting home confidently. Clonmel continued to look sharp, their midfield trio controlling the tempo, but Cashel kept grinding and found a way back just before the interval. A deep free-kick was floated into the box, and after a scramble, Pairic Ryan reacted quickest at the back post to smash in the equaliser. 1–1 at half-time, and the game was perfectly poised.
The second half was just as frantic. On 70 minutes, Clonmel hit the front again when Dylan Wall burst forward on the counter. With defenders back-pedalling, he showed real composure to slot into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling support. Cashel, however, were not to be denied.
With time running out, they pressed high, throwing men forward. On 82 minutes, Adam Hennessy was bundled over inside the box and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Up stepped Lee Riordan, who kept his nerve to roll the penalty home and level the contest at 2–2.
The closing stages saw both sides push for a winner, but keepers at either end made crucial saves. When the final whistle blew, players from both teams collapsed to the turf, exhausted. Neither side deserved to lose.
Scorers: Sean Browne, Dylan Wall (Clonmel); Pairic Ryan, Lee Riordan (Cashel)
A game with everything — goals, drama, passion, and controversy. Cashel showed great fight to twice come from behind, while Clonmel will feel frustrated not to hold onto their lead. For the neutral, it was a perfect advert for the Premier League.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 1
Galbally United 1–4 SC&K United
Henebry Park was the venue for a match that swung dramatically between the halves. Galbally could hardly have dreamed of a better start — inside 30 seconds, Jamie McGrath threaded a perfect ball through the SC&K defence and Ger Quinlan finished calmly to give the hosts an early 1–0 lead. The crowd erupted, and Galbally carried that energy into a lively opening spell.
They might have doubled their advantage on 22 minutes when Eoin McGrath got on the end of another Quinlan pass, but his shot flew narrowly wide. SC&K looked rattled in the first half, struggling to deal with the direct running of the Galbally front line, and the hosts went in at the break deservedly ahead.
The second half, though, was a different story. SC&K came out with renewed intensity, aided by a strong breeze at their backs. Midfielder Gus Nolan began to dictate play, getting on the ball and driving his side forward. On 57 minutes, Ben Smith equalised with a tidy finish, and from there SC&K took complete control.
John Brunnock struck on 65 minutes to put them ahead, and Smith added his second ten minutes later with a crisp strike from distance. Brunnock rounded off the scoring on 80 minutes after a flowing team move, his second of the game, leaving Galbally shell-shocked.
Scorers: Ger Quinlan (Galbally); Ben Smith (2), John Brunnock (2) (SC&K)
A tale of two halves. Galbally showed promise but couldn’t sustain it. SC&K, meanwhile, showed ruthless quality in the final third and the kind of resilience that marks out promotion contenders.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 1
Two Mile Borris St Kevin’s 3–2 Wilderness Rovers
Newhill Park was the scene of the most dramatic game of the Division 1 weekend, as Borris B’s raced into a commanding lead only to survive a furious Wilderness comeback in stoppage time.
The home side played with a point to prove after opening-day disappointment. On 20 minutes, a perfectly weighted through ball sent Shane Dunne clear, and he coolly lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper. Ten minutes later, Eamon Ryan doubled the lead with a precise low strike from just inside the box.
Borris were rampant, and before half-time they struck again. Cian Dwyer timed his run to perfection, broke the offside trap, rounded the keeper, and tapped in to make it 3–0. The half-time whistle brought a wave of optimism among the home fans — surely the game was sealed.
But football has a way of twisting stories. Wilderness came out with renewed energy, pressing high and testing the Borris defence. They carved out several half-chances before the drama truly began in stoppage time. On 90 minutes, Joseph Cummins struck from close range to reduce the deficit. Moments later, panic set in as Borris failed to clear their lines, and Seannie Hawkins pounced to make it 3–2.
The final whistle came as a relief to the Borris faithful, who had watched a comfortable win almost slip away in the dying minutes.
Scorers: Shane Dunne, Eamon Ryan, Cian Dwyer (Borris); Joseph Cummins, Seannie Hawkins (Wilderness)
Borris looked superb in the first half, but the late wobble will concern them. Wilderness showed incredible spirit, nearly pulling off one of the comebacks of the season. For the neutral, it was pure drama — five goals, end-to-end action, and a heart-stopping finish.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 1
Ballingarry Albion 0–1 Tipperary Town A
The Commons hosted a tight encounter between two evenly matched sides. Ballingarry started brightly, moving the ball with purpose and forcing Tipp Town to defend deep in the early stages.
Albion carved out two good chances in the opening quarter, first with a header from Dylan Meagher that flashed just wide, then with a long-range strike from Eoin Burke tipped over by the Tipp keeper.
But on 23 minutes, against the run of play, disaster struck for Albion. A defensive lapse allowed Tipp Town to pounce. The first effort was saved brilliantly by Micheal Teehan, but Kevin Brown was quickest to react to the rebound, finishing coolly to put the visitors ahead.
From there, Tipp defended with resilience, riding their luck at times. Albion thought they had equalised in the second half when Meagher bundled home from a free-kick routine, but the flag went up for offside. Despite sustained late pressure, Tipp Town held firm to secure a valuable away win.
Scorer: Kevin Brown (23’)
Ballingarry will rue missed chances and an offside call that denied them, but Tipp Town showed the grit and opportunism needed to grind out results on the road.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 1
Bansha Celtic 6–1 Powerstown FC
Celtic Park saw a goal-fest as Bansha ran riot in front of their home fans. The tone was set after just four minutes when Sean Breen latched onto a ball over the top and coolly slotted home.
Powerstown briefly silenced the crowd with a superb equaliser on 10 minutes, John Allan Lowes curling a free kick into the corner. But parity didn’t last long — Tony Egan restored Bansha’s lead with a pinpoint free kick of his own.
On 30 minutes, Breen struck again, rising highest to head home a cross and make it 3–1 at half-time. From there, the floodgates opened. Darren McGrath rifled a shot into the roof of the net on 50 minutes, before Jack Crowe added two late goals — one a composed finish after rounding the keeper, the other a cheeky back-heel that brought the biggest cheer of the day.
Scorers: Sean Breen (2), Tony Egan, Darren McGrath, Jack Crowe (2) (Bansha); John Allan Lowes (Powerstown)
Bansha looked ruthless in attack, with Breen and Crowe in fine form. Powerstown had their moment of brilliance through Lowes, but in truth they were overwhelmed by a Celtic side full of goals and confidence.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 2
Suirside 1–1 Vee Rovers
The derby lived up to the hype at Green Lane as Suirside and Vee Rovers shared the spoils in a tense but entertaining battle.
The home side flew out of the blocks, twice spurning golden chances inside the first 15 minutes — first when Diarmuid Condon blazed over from close range, then when David Roncontre fired wide with just the keeper to beat. It proved costly, as Vee grew into the game and punished Suirside on 42 minutes. A corner wasn’t cleared, and veteran striker Shane Mac pounced to slot home and give the visitors a 1–0 half-time lead.
Suirside’s response after the break was immediate. Just five minutes into the second half, debutant Aaron O’Brien stepped up to a free kick 25 yards out and delivered a moment of magic, bending the ball into the top corner. The crowd erupted, and suddenly the momentum was back with the home side.
The final half hour was frantic, with Suirside creating three big chances but failing to convert. At the other end, Vee almost nicked it with two late counter-attacks, forcing sharp saves from the keeper.
Scorers: Aaron O’Brien (Suirside), Shane Mac (Vee Rovers)
Both sides will feel they could have won, but a draw was fair. Suirside showed promise but must be more clinical, while Vee can take heart from their resilience and the evergreen Mac’s contribution.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 2
Mullinahone A 0–6 Peake Villa B
It was one-way traffic in Mullinahone as Peake Villa B turned on the style to record the biggest win of the weekend. From the off, Villa dominated possession, moving the ball with confidence and stretching the home defence at every opportunity.
They took a 2–0 lead into half-time, but it could easily have been more, with only a series of superb saves from Mullinahone keeper Nathan Tracey keeping the score down.
The second half was a different story, as Villa’s relentless passing and movement carved Mullinahone apart. Cathal McElgunn was the star, netting twice with clinical finishes, while Adam Garrett, Liam McCormack, Darren McGuire, and Cian O’Dwyer also got on the scoresheet. By the end, Mullinahone were simply outclassed.
Scorers: Adam Garrett, Cathal McElgunn (2), Liam McCormack, Darren McGuire, Cian O’Dwyer
Peake Villa B looked a cut above, their fluid attacking play marking them out as early promotion contenders. For Mullinahone, this was a humbling experience, though they’ll take some solace from Tracey’s heroics between the posts.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 2
Old Bridge 2–5 Rosegreen
A goal-fest at Green Lane saw Rosegreen run out winners thanks to a blistering second-half performance from Eoin Byrne.
Old Bridge took the lead in the 23rd minute when Jack Fahey finished off a slick team move, and they carried that advantage into the break after a disciplined defensive display. But Rosegreen came out flying in the second half, and within five minutes Byrne had headed home the equaliser.
Moments later, they were awarded a penalty after a handball in the area, and Chris Brabson made no mistake from the spot. Byrne then added his second just past the hour, rifling in from close range.
Old Bridge were handed a lifeline when awarded a penalty of their own, but their effort was saved, a turning point in the match. Byrne completed his hat-trick on 75 minutes, before Nestor Kashuba added a fifth with a thunderous strike. Dave Garrett netted a consolation in stoppage time, but by then the game was gone.
Scorers: Jack Fahey, Dave Garrett (Old Bridge); Eoin Byrne (3), Chris Brabson, Nestor Kashuba (Rosegreen)
Rosegreen showed their attacking firepower, with Byrne in unstoppable form. Old Bridge will be kicking themselves for missed chances, particularly the penalty, which could have swung momentum.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 3
Donohill 5–1 Mullinahone B
Donohill showed no mercy on home soil as they powered past Mullinahone B with an emphatic performance full of attacking intent. From the opening whistle, the hosts pressed high and forced mistakes, pinning Mullinahone deep inside their own half.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Joe Shanahan latched onto a loose ball and fired home with composure. That goal opened the floodgates, and Shanahan’s direct running caused endless problems for the visiting defence.
After the break, Donohill upped the tempo. Shanahan struck twice more to complete a clinical hat-trick, each goal showing his striker’s instinct — one a poacher’s finish after a goalmouth scramble, the other a powerful drive into the roof of the net.
Not to be outdone, Vinny McGrath bagged a brace of his own, showcasing Donohill’s attacking depth. Mullinahone did have a bright moment late on when Andre Shortt pulled one back with a tidy finish, but it was scant consolation in a game the home side dominated from start to finish.
Scorers: Joe Shanahan (3), Vinny McGrath (2) (Donohill); Andre Shortt (Mullinahone B)
Donohill looked ruthless and efficient, with Shanahan in lethal form. Mullinahone B will need to regroup quickly if they’re to steady their season.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 3
Dualla 3–1 Tipperary Town B
A historic day for Dualla as they christened their new pitch at Denis Leamy Park with a memorable victory. The atmosphere was buzzing, with a strong crowd on hand to witness the club’s first competitive game on home turf.
The players rose to the occasion. On 21 minutes, Dylan Fogarty etched his name into club history with the first goal at the new ground, powering home a header from a well-delivered corner. The home fans erupted in celebration.
But Tipp Town B weren’t there to play supporting roles. On 33 minutes, Mark McInerney stunned the crowd with a long-range rocket that flew into the top corner, levelling the game in spectacular fashion.
The contest swung back Dualla’s way just before half-time when Shane Tarrant threaded a clever ball over the top to release Padraic Ryan, who kept his cool to slot past the advancing keeper.
The second half was a tense battle, with Tipp Town pushing hard for another equaliser. But Dualla’s defence, marshalled superbly, held firm. As the visitors pushed bodies forward late on, Dualla struck the killer blow. In the 89th minute, Colin Bourke broke down the right and squared for Eoin Moloughney, who calmly finished at the back post to seal a famous 3–1 win.
Scorers: Dylan Fogarty, Padraic Ryan, Eoin Moloughney (Dualla); Mark McInerney (Tipp Town B)
A day to remember for Dualla — a new pitch, three goals, and three points. Tipp Town B played their part in an entertaining encounter, but Dualla’s finishing touch proved decisive.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 3
Kilsheelan United B 3–1 Cashel Town B
There was drama aplenty at the KBK Sportsfield in Ballypatrick, as Kilsheelan B overcame Cashel Town B in a match that had just about everything — goals, cards, a penalty, and a frantic finish.
The first half was competitive but boiled over just before the interval when both sides were reduced to ten men after separate flashpoints. In the chaos, Kilsheelan were awarded a penalty, and up stepped Aaron Costin, who kept his cool to make it 1–0.
The second half was dominated by Cashel’s territory and possession. They probed constantly, and their persistence paid off on 85 minutes when Joe Breen unleashed a thunderbolt from distance to level the game. It looked as though Cashel might even go on to win it, with momentum firmly in their favour.
But football is all about timing. Just a minute later, Eamon Fitzgerald latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Darragh Landers and chipped the advancing keeper to restore Kilsheelan’s lead. Then, deep into stoppage time, with Cashel pouring forward, James O’Dwyer broke away on the counter and sealed the points with a composed finish.
Scorers: Aaron Costin (pen), Eamon Fitzgerald, James O’Dwyer (Kilsheelan B); Joe Breen (Cashel B)
A cracking contest that swung both ways. Cashel will be heartbroken after their late equaliser counted for little, but Kilsheelan showed immense resilience and killer instinct to grab a deserved win.
Sunday the 24th of August 2025 Division 3
St. Michael’s B 6–0 Clonmel Celtic B
At The Complex, St. Michael’s B produced a devastating attacking performance to blow Clonmel Celtic B away. From the first whistle, Saints played with intensity, moving the ball quickly and pressing high, leaving Celtic pinned deep in their own half.
Mikey Bowes opened the scoring on 6 minutes with a tidy finish after intercepting a loose pass. He doubled his tally just after the half-hour mark with a smart right-footed strike. Saints were relentless, with Chris Malone, Jamie Malone, and Alex Webster all stretching the Celtic defence, who were hanging on by half-time with Saints leading 2–0.
The second half was one-way traffic. Chris Malone made it 3–0 with a neat finish inside the box before Bowes completed his hat-trick with a thumping left-footed strike. Substitutes Evan Hanrahan and Anthony Harding then joined the party, scoring in the 69th and 75th minutes respectively as Saints’ strength in depth told.
Scorers: Mikey Bowes (3), Chris Malone, Evan Hanrahan, Anthony Harding (St. Michael’s B)
A clinical display from St. Michael’s B, who showed attacking flair and defensive solidity in equal measure. Celtic B struggled to cope with the relentless pressure, but Saints look like a side with the quality to dominate this division.
Saturday the 23rd of August Youth Division 1
Clonmel Town 1–2 Clonmel Celtic
The Dr. Pat O’Callaghan Sports Complex was the setting for one of the early Youth Division 1 derbies of the season, and it didn’t disappoint. A lively crowd of parents and supporters packed the sideline, and they were treated to a game full of drama and intensity.
Clonmel Town started brightly, showing energy and sharp movement in the final third. Their pressure paid off after just 12 minutes when Sultan Gazal pounced inside the box to fire low into the net, giving Town a deserved early lead. The goal settled the home side, who looked composed throughout the first half, restricting Celtic to half-chances.
But Celtic’s response after the break was emphatic. They upped their tempo, pressing higher and showing more aggression in midfield. On 68 minutes, their persistence was rewarded when a slick move opened space for Dylan McCormack, who made no mistake with a precise finish to level the tie.
The game opened up, with both sides pushing for a winner, and the crowd roared every attack. Town went close with a free kick that whistled over the bar, but it was Celtic who struck the decisive blow. With just 12 minutes left, Aviat Divkhavan found himself free in the box, keeping his composure to slot past the keeper. The green-and-white celebrations said it all — a huge moment in the derby.
Town pushed hard in the dying minutes, sending bodies forward, but Celtic’s defence held firm. When the whistle went, the visiting supporters erupted — their side had not only taken three points, but also the early bragging rights in Clonmel.
Scorers: Sultan Gazal (Clonmel Town); Dylan McCormack, Aviat Divkhavan (Clonmel Celtic)
A pulsating derby decided by Celtic’s second-half improvement and finishing edge. Town showed plenty of promise but will rue missed chances in the second half. A big confidence boost for Celtic to open their campaign.
Saturday the 23rd of August Youth Division 1
St. Michael’s 3–0 Cahir Park
The Complex welcomed the return of St. Michael’s youth side to the top division, and the Saints didn’t disappoint, cruising to a comfortable win over Cahir Park in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The game began with intensity, Saints immediately on the front foot. Inside two minutes, Darragh Bresnan tested Park keeper Evan Cotter, who pulled off a fine save to keep the scores level. Moments later, controversy struck as Alfie O’Halloran appeared to be fouled in the box, but appeals for a penalty were waved away. From the resulting corner, however, justice seemed served — Cathal Maguire rose highest and powered a header into the net to make it 1–0.
Saints didn’t let up. On 22 minutes, they doubled their lead when a handball in the area gave them a penalty. Up stepped Darragh Bresnan, who dispatched the spot-kick with confidence. At 2–0, Saints were flying. O’Halloran then went close with a shot just wide before Cotter was called into action again to deny him from close range.
Cahir had their moments too. Their striker Kelly almost pulled one back with a low effort just wide of the post, but Saints held firm and went into half-time with a solid 2–0 lead.
The second half began with Saints still dominant. Christian Flanagan came close with a curling effort just wide after being picked out by Bresnan. Then, on 63 minutes, the game was effectively over as a contest. Alfie O’Halloran threaded a perfect ball through to Bresnan, who showed composure to fire in from an angle for his second of the match.
With a 3–0 lead, Saints eased off, rotating their bench and soaking up pressure. Cahir continued to push but couldn’t break down a stubborn defence. The final whistle confirmed a commanding display from the home side.
Scorers: Cathal Maguire, Darragh Bresnan (2) (St. Michael’s)
St. Michael’s looked sharp, well-organised, and clinical in front of goal — a team that will surely challenge at the top end of Youth Division 1. Cahir showed spirit but lacked the finishing touch to trouble the Saints’ backline.
Saturday the 23rd of August Youth Division 2
Mullinahone 1–1 Shanbally
A lively contest in Mullinahone ended all square as both sides showed plenty of promise in front of a vocal crowd. The first half was cagey, with neither side able to create much in the way of clear-cut chances. Mullinahone went closest when their striker rose to meet a corner, only to be denied by a fine reaction save from the Shanbally keeper, ensuring the game remained goalless at the break.
The visitors came out sharper after half-time and got their reward on 55 minutes. A neat passing move split the Mullinahone defence, and Harry Byrne finished with style to give Shanbally the lead. The hosts responded almost immediately and were handed a golden chance to level when awarded a penalty on the hour mark. To the agony of the home fans, the effort cannoned back off the post and Shanbally breathed a sigh of relief.
But Mullinahone weren’t done. Ten minutes later, lightning struck twice as they were awarded another penalty — and this time Luke Lacy stepped up and buried it into the corner to level the game. The final stages were end-to-end, with both sides trading half-chances, but a draw was the fairest outcome after an energetic second half.
Scorers: Luke Lacy (Mullinahone), Harry Byrne (Shanbally)
Both teams showed flashes of quality but will feel they let a chance slip. Mullinahone’s resilience was admirable, while Shanbally will be frustrated not to hold onto their lead. A draw that leaves both sides still searching for a first win.
Saturday the 23rd of August Youth Division 2
SC&K United 4–3 Cashel
Kilsheelan United and Cashel Town served up a seven-goal thriller on Saturday afternoon, with the home side edging a pulsating contest thanks to two late strikes. The match had everything: long-range goals, set-piece drama, a captain’s rescue, and an injury-time winner that brought the crowd to its feet.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Kilsheelan nearly breaking the deadlock early on when Evan Moran whipped in a dangerous cross that found Paddy Power. His header looked destined for the net, but the Cashel goalkeeper pulled off a superb double save. The reprieve was short-lived, however, as on 16 minutes Colin Roche pounced from a corner to give Kilsheelan the lead.
Cashel’s response was immediate. Just five minutes later, Tom Hanrahan lit up the game with a stunning 30-yard strike that arrowed into the top corner — an early contender for goal of the season. The visitors grew in confidence, and on 40 minutes Evan Ryan broke through the defence and finished coolly to put Cashel 2–1 ahead.
Kilsheelan’s set pieces were causing problems throughout, and just before half-time they found their reward. A whipped delivery caused chaos in the box, and Paddy Power got the faintest of touches to level the game at 2–2 at the break.
The second half was a tighter affair, with both teams creating half-chances but defences largely holding firm. On 75 minutes, it was Cashel who struck again, as Hanrahan latched onto a through ball and kept his composure to restore the visitors’ lead.
With time running out, Kilsheelan showed their character. On 86 minutes, captain Sean Hughes drove forward and fired a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 3–3. With the crowd urging them on, the hosts poured forward in search of a winner. It arrived in the dying moments. Substitute Darragh Prendergast swung in a teasing cross, and fellow sub Adam Blanchfield arrived late at the back post to delicately steer the ball home on 90 minutes.
Cashel threw men forward in stoppage time, but Kilsheelan keeper Darragh Dempsey produced a vital save to preserve the lead. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes, players and supporters celebrating a dramatic comeback win in sweltering conditions.
Scorers:
Kilsheelan: Colin Roche (16’), Paddy Power (44’), Sean Hughes (86’), Adam Blanchfield (90’)
Cashel: Tom Hanrahan (20’, 75’), Evan Ryan (40’)
A classic youth encounter. Cashel played their part with some fine goals, particularly Hanrahan’s long-range stunner, but Kilsheelan’s resilience, substitutions, and never-say-die spirit carried them over the line. Both goalkeepers deserved credit for standout saves, but this was Kilsheelan’s day — a winning start that will give them huge belief for the season ahead.