Tipperary club's first-ever Munster voyage ends with sixth round exit

Munster Shield 6th Round

Powerstown 1 – 2 Ballynanty Rovers

Powerstown’s fairytale run in the inaugural Munster Junior Shield came to an end on Sunday afternoon against Limerick giants Ballynanty Rovers, after a brave performance in Clonmel.

The strong wind and soft pitch made playing conditions difficult, and the home side found it tough to get out of their half early on. A flurry of Ballynanty long throws caused the home side problems, but they still managed to keep the game all square until nine minutes before the break. That was when a free kick by Jamie O’Sullivan put the Limerick side a goal in front. His well- struck effort from the wide right found its way into the back of the Powerstown net, aided by the strong wind.

Powerstown’s best chances came from counter attacking football. The closest they came in the first period was five minutes before the break when Cathal McKeown won the ball high up the pitch, took it down the wing and crossed for his brother Brian to head it just over the crossbar.

But at the resumption for the second half, and with the wind at their back, Powerstown started much better. Gino Lonergan came closest, getting on the end of a corner, but despite having the majority of possession it was not capitalised on. And they were made to pay on the hour-mark when the Limerick side doubled their lead. A ball in behind the defence wasn’t dealt with and Dean O’Brien made no mistake with the finish.

Cathal McKeown pulled one back for Powerstown 17 minutes from time when his header brought them right back into the game. They continued to apply pressure in search of that all-important equaliser but it was not to be. Ballynanty held strong and did enough to see themselves through to the next round.