Clonmel Celtic make it a great weekend for Tipperary teams in FAI Junior Cup

placeholder image — Clonmel Celtic who defeated Malahide United by 2-0 in the FAI Junior Cup 5th Round at the By-Pass on Sunday last. Pic: Michael Boland

FAI Junior Cup, 5th Round

CLONMEL CELTIC 2 MALAHIDE UNITED 0

A very impressive performance from Clonmel Celtic saw them take their place in the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup following a 2-0 win against Malahide United on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon.

With a strong wind at their backs Celtic started the game on the front foot and came close on six minutes after a fine move involving Philly Drohan and Peter O’Dowd culminated with Graham Kelly flashing a shot inches wide from the edge of the box.

Kelly was very prominent in the early stages and he came close again a minute later with an almost identical effort. This time a Peter O’Dowd centre fell invitingly at his feet but he shot flew inches past the opposite post.

Having weathered the early storm, the visitors grew into the game and put together some nice passages but were unable to create any real chances against a strong and well organised home backline.

The home support felt that the hosts needed a lead at the break, having the advantage of the elements and that duly arrived on 35 minutes with Cian O’Sullivan getting on the end of a Philly Drohan free kick to put his side ahead.

Peter O’Dowd then had a long-range effort just off target two minutes before the break and Celtic had to be content with a slender interval lead.

Malahide United who made the long trip from Dublin to take on Clonmel Celtic in the FAI Junior Cup at the By-Pass on Sunday last. Pic: Michael Boland

The early stages of the second half probably proved crucial to the outcome of the tie. After Cross had an effort for the visitors that was deflected wide, the hosts upped the ante and pushed for a second. That duly arrived on 53 minutes when Jamie Ahearne teed up Philly Drohan on the edge of the box and he fired home a fine effort to the roof of the net.

Celtic nearly put the game to bed a minute later when Julian Kerton raced clear but Darragh Mooney denied him with a good save.

The Clonmel side had put in a huge effort at this stage and the heavy conditions saw them tire as Malahide United began to have more of the ball as they tried to find a way back into the tie.

Murtagh tried his luck from a free just after the hour mark but Fabian Kerton gathered his effort comfortably.

Ten minutes from time, the home side came closest to adding a third when Darren Sweeney managed to get around the keeper but his effort was cleared off the line by the retreating Curtis. Malahide United to their credit kept plugging away but just couldn’t create any clear opening against an obdurate Clonmel Celtic rearguard, and in the end, the home side were good value for their win and their place in the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup 2024.