Tipperary hockey club defeats Kinsale to win Munster Under 18 League

Nenagh Hockey Club 2 Kinsale Hockey Club 0

The mark of a truly great team is their ability to be consistent, edge results and put in performances week in and week out.

Nenagh Hockey Club's Under 18 team cemented their reputation as a great team when they emerged as Munster League Winners after a play-off against Kinsale.

The only team to narrowly beat Nenagh during the season, Kinsale are a strong side who play with lots of determination and heart.

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The neutral venue of Fermoy was chosen for the showdown that would decide who claimed the crown in what has been a closely-contested league. While Nenagh were favourites heading into the final, it was clear that Kinsale had the ability to cause an upset through sheer determination and drive.

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From the first whistle it was evident that a high tempo game was on the cards. Both teams started well, looking for an early break that would settle the nerves. Of the two teams Kinsale enjoyed more possession and even got some shots away on the Nenagh goal in the opening exchanges.

The Nenagh goalkeeper, Alannah Stanley, made a couple of good saves to deny Kinsale the lead.

It was goalless as both teams resumed their positions for the second quarter. Again it was end to end hockey but roars went up from the Nenagh supporters when Kate O'Flaherty found the net after a goalmouth scramble.

The goal only intensified Kinsale's efforts and they ramped up the gears in search of the equaliser. Nenagh's goalkeeper kept the Tipperary side ahead in the game with some great saves, including a high ball that she stretched to save with her right hand. Nenagh held onto their lead heading into the second half. 

The third quarter was played at a ferocious tempo, as both teams went toe to toe. It was a physical encounter and Nenagh rose to the challenge but had two green cards shown to two players for tough challenges that saw them sidelined for two minutes apiece.

Kinsale failed to capitalise on the advantage and it was still 1-0 heading into the fourth and final quarter. Nenagh changed formation slightly to help protect their lead, with four midfielders absorbing all of Kinsale's pressure.

Nenagh kept their eye on the Kinsale goal, knowing that a second score would make it almost impossible for Kinsale to recover. They got their just rewards when some beautiful play in midfield saw a lively pass to Katya Shorten, who buried the ball into the Cork side's net.

After the goal celebrations Nenagh quickly reset, knowing that any lapse in concentration or focus could be costly.  Kinsale tried to press forward again but Nenagh were solid in defence, with Jane Quigley doing a great job of marking Kinsale's most potent player out of the game. 

Nenagh were calm and composed for the remaining minutes but when the final whistle blew there were great scenes as the players ran to come congratulate each other. 

"I'm so delighted for this team," said coach Colin Stanley.

"We felt this got away from us last year and we set ourselves the goal of winning the league at the start of this season. Winning a league is never easy but the commitment of this team and their ability to work hard for each other sets them apart.

"They are a wonderful bunch that thoroughly deserve this today". 

The team has a two-week break before they meet Kinsale again in Cork for the Munster Cup final. Kinsale will be looking to deny Nenagh the double but in Nenagh's current form that is a big ask. It is going to be a cracker of a game. 

With two teams in cup finals on April 27, all Tipperary eyes will be on Cork for the last matches of a very successful season for the club.