Moyle Rovers class apparent in exceptional U15A football county final victory

County U15A Football Championship Final

Moyle Rovers7-14

Aherlow1-6

By Mark Dunne

A clinical and commanding display of football by Moyle Rovers saw them run out comprehensive victors in the 2024 U15A County Final played in Littleton on Thursday evening last. 

Cold but dry conditions proved ideal for football and the South side made no mistake. Straight from the throw-in they commanded the play and a well-worked move through the hands resulted in Conor Williams finding the back of the Aherlow net. 

The resulting kickout found its way to Fergal Bradshaw who pointed. This set the tone for the opening quarter of football with Moyle Rovers dominant. Aherlow to their credit did not make life easy for the Rovers but the pace and transition of the attack was a joy to witness. 

Aherlow worked the ball well when in possession but it was the final pass that proved problematic for the West Tipp team. At the quarter of an hour, Moyle Rovers had 3-4 on the scoreboard, McCarthy, Cardon (1-0), Morrisey (1-0), Morrison, and Williams were all now on the score sheet. 

Aherlow battled hard and were rewarded with the nest two scores, Eoin O’Connell taking on the mantle for his side. Aherlow were slowly growing into the game and O’Connell again pointed from a free to keep his side's spirits up. 

Moyle Rovers though did settle once again and kicked the last three scores of the half, 3-8 to 0-3 at the half-time whistle. 

Rovers kicked the first score of the half, a Sean Woods free from the 21m line. Aherlow began to run the ball a bit more in the second half and kicked the next two points, an O’Connell free, and a great score from Ciaran Hennessy. 

Both sides opted to make changes during the second half but the strength and depth of the Moyle Rovers team was clear to see. They tagged on a further 2-4 over the next fifteen minutes, the pick of them a Sean Woods goal, who ran the length of the field to score. 

Aherlow though did not falter during the half and were awarded a penalty on fifty minutes which Oisin Pearl duly dispatched. The game petered out soon afterwards with Moyle Rovers tagging on a further 2-1 in the closing minutes to secure victory. Aherlow Captain Colm O’Shea kicked the last score of the encounter, leading by example. The full-time whistle followed shortly afterward much to the delight of the travelling supporters. 

Despite the dominance of the South Tipp side, Aherlow can be proud of their gallant efforts they just came up against a very strong and polished Moyle Rovers side. 

Captain Conor Hurley picked up the U15A Trophy from County BNG Chairman PJ Bowden.

Moyle Rovers: Oisin Walsh; Cathal Hickey, Oisin McCarthy (1-2), Michael Maher; Liam Kelly, Conor Hurley, Jerome Phelan; Fergal Bradshaw (0-1), Hugh Carolan (2-1); Cillian Morrissey (0-3, 0-1f), Conall Morrison (0-3 play, 0-1f); Joe Donovan, Ronan Fanning, Conor Williams (1-2), Sean Woods (1-2). 

Subs Used: Ronan O’Meara (1-0); Sean Kelly; Jason Cronin; Jamie Dennehy.

Aherlow: Conor Kiely; Sean Horan, Colm O’Shea (0-1), Ruairi Ivory; Paddy O’Neill, Charlie Brazil, Rory Maguire; Ciaran Hennessy (0-1), Eoin O’Connell (0-4, 0-2f); Michael O’Grady, Christian Flanagan, Darragh Hogan; Michael Hayes, Oisin Pearl (1-0), Michael O’Mahony. 

Subs used: Cathal Hennessy; Sean Kenny; Gearoid Maguire; Fionn O’Brien.

Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)