Saturday 11th April – Division 2
Cahir Park (B) 1 – 3 Rosegreen
Rosegreen claimed a valuable three points away from home after a disciplined and clinical performance against Cahir Park B.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded early when their attacking pressure produced the opening goal. Moving the ball quickly through midfield, Rosegreen found space in the Cahir defence and finished well to take the lead.
Cahir Park gradually worked their way back into the contest and began to impose themselves on the game. Their persistence paid off just before the interval when they found the equaliser, ensuring the sides went into the break level and setting up an intriguing second half.
After the restart, Rosegreen again took the initiative. Around ten minutes into the second half they regained the lead, capitalising on a defensive lapse to finish confidently. With the score at 2–1, Cahir pushed forward in search of another equaliser, committing more players to attack.
However, this left gaps at the back and Rosegreen punished them on the counterattack, breaking quickly to score a third goal that effectively sealed the result. Cahir Park continued to battle but could not find a way back into the match.
Match Verdict:
Rosegreen were the more clinical side on the day and punished Cahir Park when it mattered most. Their ability to strike on the counter proved decisive in a competitive Division 2 encounter.
Sunday 12th April – FAI Junior Cup Round 3
BT Harps 1 – 1 Cashel Town (AET)
BT Harps win 3–2 on penalties
A tightly contested cup tie saw BT Harps progress to the next round after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Cashel Town.
Both sides approached the game with caution early on, aware of the stakes involved in a national cup fixture. Chances were limited in the opening stages as the teams battled for control in midfield.
The deadlock was eventually broken as the game opened up, with both teams finding the net to leave the score level at 1–1 by the end of normal time. With neither side able to find a winner, the match moved into extra time.
Despite tired legs beginning to show, both sides continued to press forward looking for the decisive moment. However, defences held firm and penalties were required to determine the outcome.
BT Harps kept their composure from the spot and converted three of their penalties to claim a 3–2 shootout win and secure their place in the next round of the competition.
Match Verdict:
A tense and evenly matched cup tie that could have gone either way. BT Harps held their nerve when it mattered most to advance after penalties.
Ballymackey 3 – 5 Clonmel Celtic
Clonmel Celtic eventually overcame Ballymackey in a thrilling eight-goal contest that produced plenty of drama and attacking football.
Celtic made the perfect start and were ahead after just two minutes when Julian Kerton found space in the box and finished neatly into the corner of the net. He nearly doubled the lead moments later but was denied by a sharp save.
After a shaky opening period Ballymackey settled into the game, aided by a strong wind at their backs. They drew level on 16 minutes when Chris Maher tapped home after Rhys Lonergan parried Eamon White’s initial shot.
Ballymackey continued to grow in confidence and took the lead on 31 minutes when Maher struck again, converting Alan White’s cross at the back post. The home side nearly extended their lead before the break but a fine save from Lonergan kept Celtic within reach.
With the wind in their favour in the second half, Celtic began to dominate possession. Their pressure paid off on 56 minutes when Ewen Rumble finished a flowing move to level the match at 2–2.
Ballymackey quickly responded and regained the lead when Alan White was given space in the box and finished well. Celtic refused to panic and struck back once more on 67 minutes when Kyle Cuddy reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 3–3.
The visitors pushed forward in search of a winner and after sustained pressure they finally took the lead from a corner when Cian O’Sullivan bundled the ball home.
Ballymackey threw everything forward late on but were caught on the break, with Cuddy winning and converting a penalty to seal a dramatic 5–3 victory.
Match Verdict:
An entertaining end-to-end encounter. Clonmel Celtic’s persistence and attacking quality in the second half proved the difference as they powered into the next round.
Peake Villa 4 – 0 Clonmel Town
Peake Villa produced a commanding performance to comfortably progress with a convincing four-goal victory over Clonmel Town.
From the outset Villa played with intensity and purpose, moving the ball quickly and pressing high up the pitch. Their attacking pressure paid off as they created numerous chances and eventually found the breakthrough.
Once ahead, Peake Villa controlled the tempo of the match and continued to stretch the Clonmel Town defence with intelligent movement and passing. Additional goals followed as the home side capitalised on their dominance.
Clonmel Town struggled to gain a foothold in the game and found it difficult to create clear opportunities against a well-organised Villa defence.
By the closing stages Peake Villa had effectively put the result beyond doubt, adding further goals to round off a comprehensive 4–0 victory.
Match Verdict:
A dominant display from Peake Villa. Their control of possession and clinical finishing ensured a comfortable progression in the competition.
Cullen Lattin 1 – 5 St Michaels
St Michaels delivered an impressive attacking performance as they ran out convincing winners away to Cullen Lattin.
The Saints started brightly and opened the scoring after just five minutes when David Slattery was left unmarked at the back post to guide Jimmy Carr’s cross into the net.
They doubled their advantage on 12 minutes when a quickly taken corner caught the Cullen defence off guard, allowing Cian Fadden to head home from close range.
St Michaels continued to create chances throughout the first half and could easily have extended their lead further before the break but Cullen goalkeeper Cian McGrath made a number of saves to keep his side in contention.
The visitors made it three early in the second half when DJ Cremmins rose highest to head home another Jimmy Carr corner.
Cullen managed to pull one back on 63 minutes when Michael Elligott blocked a clearance and Jordan Dineen volleyed the dropping ball into the net to give the home side a glimmer of hope.
However, St Michaels quickly regained control. Jimmy Carr capped a fine move with a well-taken goal before Dan Dwyer added a fifth late on after breaking through the Cullen defence.
Match Verdict:
St Michaels were sharp, organised and clinical throughout. Their early goals set the tone and they never allowed Cullen Lattin a real route back into the game.
Sunday 12th April – Division 1 Shield Quarter Final
Powerstown 0 – 5 Bansha Celtic
Bansha Celtic produced a dominant performance to book their place in the semi-finals with a convincing victory over Powerstown.
The visitors took control early and opened the scoring when Kevin Mullins finished well from a cross delivered from the right flank.
Bansha doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Darren McGrath powered home a header from a well-delivered free kick.
Powerstown battled hard and nearly pulled a goal back before the break when John Allan Lowes struck the crossbar from a free kick, while goalkeeper Oisin Martin produced an excellent save to keep the score at 2–0.
Bansha effectively sealed the game in the second half when Danny Ryan headed home from another set piece to make it three.
McGrath then added two further goals to complete a hat-trick, including a superb chipped finish late on to round off a dominant display.
Match Verdict:
Bansha Celtic’s strength from set pieces and clinical finishing proved decisive as they cruised into the next round with an emphatic win.
Sunday 12th April – Division 1
SC&K United 2 – 2 Two Mile Borris (B)
In a tense relegation battle played in bright sunshine, SC&K United and Two Mile Borris B shared the spoils after a hard-fought contest.
The visitors took the lead on ten minutes when Cian Dwyer finished from close range after good work down the byline.
SC&K responded quickly and were level just three minutes later when Tommy O’Connor headed home from a Gus Nolan free kick.
Two Mile Borris regained the advantage on 18 minutes when a defensive error presented them with a simple finish. However, the home side again fought back and Mark Heffernan reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 2–2.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner in the second half but strong defensive displays and determined work rate meant neither could find the decisive breakthrough.
Match Verdict:
A spirited and competitive encounter. A draw was a fair reflection as both sides battled hard in an important relegation clash.
Wilderness 3 – 4 Balingarry
Balingarry edged a thrilling seven-goal contest away to Wilderness in one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.
The home side started well and went ahead through Dylan Kiely, who later struck the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Balingarry responded strongly with Eddie Mullally equalising before Ben Ivers put the visitors ahead before half-time.
Wilderness came out firing after the break and quickly drew level through Thomas Hill following a corner.
Balingarry regained the lead when John Pollard headed home from a free kick, but the drama continued as Graham Kelly scrambled in an equaliser for Wilderness.
Just when it seemed the sides might share the points, Rian O’Callaghan struck the decisive goal to give Balingarry a narrow 4–3 victory.
Match Verdict:
A superb attacking contest full of momentum swings. Balingarry’s resilience and ability to respond each time Wilderness scored ultimately secured them the win.
Sunday 12th April – Division 2
Vee Rovers 0 – 3 Suirside
Suirside claimed bragging rights in this derby clash with a solid 3–0 victory over Vee Rovers.
The opening half was competitive with both sides battling hard, but Suirside struck just before half-time when Shane Ryan latched onto a ball over the top and finished calmly.
Vee Rovers started the second half positively but were punished again when a corner was flicked on by Shane Ryan and ended up in the net.
With Vee pushing forward late in the game, Suirside sealed the result when Paul Kennedy fired a free kick from the edge of the box into the net.
Match Verdict:
A disciplined and efficient display from Suirside. Their ability to take their chances at key moments proved decisive in this derby encounter.
Sunday 12th April – Division 3
Mullinahone (B) 0 – 5 Burncourt
Burncourt delivered a dominant display to secure a comprehensive 5–0 victory over Mullinahone B.
Dylan Ryan opened the scoring with a well-taken finish before Keelan Darcy doubled the lead following excellent work by Daire English.
Burncourt continued to press and extended their advantage when Dan Burke headed home from a precise corner delivery.
Ryan struck again before half-time to make it four and effectively end the contest.
The second half saw Burncourt remain in control, and despite missed chances they eventually added a fifth when Ryan completed his hat-trick after being set up by Karl Moloney.
Mullinahone’s difficulties were compounded when they were reduced to ten men following a second yellow card.
Match Verdict:
Burncourt were clinical and dominant throughout. Their first-half performance laid the foundation for a commanding win.
St Michaels 1 – 0 Killenaule
St Michaels secured a narrow but important victory over Killenaule in a tightly contested Division 3 clash.
Both sides battled hard in midfield and chances were limited throughout the match as the defences remained organised.
The decisive moment arrived when St Michaels managed to break the deadlock with a well-worked goal that ultimately proved enough to separate the teams.
Killenaule pushed hard for an equaliser but the St Michaels defence stood firm to see out the victory.
Match Verdict:
A hard-fought and disciplined performance from St Michaels. Their defensive organisation ensured they held onto a crucial three points.
Tipperary Town (B) 3 – 5 SC&K (B)
SC&K B came out on top in a lively Division 3 encounter that produced eight goals and plenty of attacking football.
Both teams approached the match with attacking intent and the early stages saw chances created at both ends of the pitch.
SC&K B proved particularly effective in front of goal, capitalising on defensive gaps to build a strong lead during the match.
Tipperary Town B continued to fight back and managed to score three times, but SC&K’s attacking threat ensured they always kept control of the contest.
In the end the visitors secured a deserved 5–3 victory in an entertaining game.
Match Verdict:
An open and attacking match. SC&K B’s superior finishing and attacking play ultimately secured them the win.