Nenagh Éire Óg best traditional rivals Toome in big ball North Final
North Tipperary U13A Football Final
Nenagh Eire Og 3-12
Toomevara 3-6
Holders Nenagh Eire Og were full value for their six points win over Toomevara in a lively North Tipp under 13 A football final at Borrisoleigh on Sunday last.
The Greyhounds got off to a great start with a Theo Dunne goal inside a minute but Nenagh quickly settled and had goals from Kirsten Janiters and Fionn Tucker to lead 2-0 to1-1 after just four hectic minutes, Aidan O Gorman having pointed for Toome.
It was a lead Nenagh were never going to lose and with Kirsten Janiters finding the Toome net again after 18 minutes for a 3-3 to 1-3 lead, Nenagh were very much in the driving seat and finished the half with a 3-5 to 1-3 advantage.
Toome were facing an uphill battle in the second half but they showed admirable courage and no little skill as they sought to make up the leeway. Substitute Daniel Cleary had an early goal chance but Nenagh goalie Donagh Farrell turned his effort over the bar. What a goal then might have done for the Toome challenge is anybody’s guess.
Nenagh were containing their rivals and Fionn Tucker was denied a possible goal by the timberwork. Nenagh were 3-8 to 1-5 ahead in the 14th minute of the second half when a powerful upfield run by Toome’s Conal Hartnett was finished to the Nenagh net by the diving Theo Dunne.
Dan Daly quickly followed with a point and Nenagh goalie Donagh Farrell denied Aidan Delany a Toome goal with a plucky save after 16 minutes.
The under-pressure Nenagh boys were ahead 3-8 to 2-6, and got some respite when Kirsten Janiters hit two points for them but with four minutes to play Daniel Cleary netted for Toome to raise their hopes but time was against them.
There was no stopping Nenagh who had a further brace of points from Man of the Match Janiters to seal their win and a spot in the county semi-final.
Nenagh have three teams in the U13 competition and this, their elite squad, is a very impressive outfit that always looks comfortable on the ball and also has the firepower to turn possession into scores. In this regard, Kirsten Janiters was their star turn but he had plenty of help from Fionn Tucker, Harry Coughlan, James Hynes, goalkeeper Donagh Farrell, and Kevin Hogan.
Toome are not renowned for their footballing exploits but this bunch of lads could change that perception as they had a lot of quality players in their ranks. Sean O Brien, Conal Hartnett, Miceal Fitzpatrick, Aidan Delany, Aidan O Gorman, and Theo Dunne did all in their power to turn the tide in their favour but a very talented Nenagh squad had their measure once they got the early goals.
Nenagh Éire Óg: Donagh Farrell; Packie Sheehy, Evan Jones, Odhran Cahill, Kevin Hogan, Harry Bailey, Harry Coughlan (0-1), Fionn Tucker (1-1), James Hynes (0-2); Daniel O’Leary (0-2), John Duggan, Kirsten Janiters (2-6), David Mullanny.
Subs used: Mihai Rotari, Eugen Durnesan.
Toomevara: Oliver Duff; Tadgh Ryan, Sean O Brien, Donncha Kelly, Conal Hartnett, Charlie Hackett, Micheal Fitzpatrick, Dan Daly (0-2), Niall Ryan, Aidan Delaney (0-2), Aidan O’Gorman (0-1), Theo Dunne (2-0), Aidan Cummins.
Subs used: Daniel Cleary (1-1).
Referee: Pat O’Mahoney (Kiladangan)