Ronan Walsh stars as Clonmel Town shock Celtic in Munster Youths Cup

Clonmel Town pulled off a shock victory to knock near neighbours and current league leaders Clonmel Celtic out of the Munster Youth Cup.

When the sides met earlier in the league, Celtic ran out comfortable six-goal winners but they came up against a far more aggressive and organised Town side last Saturday in Ferryhouse.

The first real chance of the game fell to Town’s Joey Browne but his effort from close range was well saved by Oisin O’Donohue. Alex Greene then saw a brilliant header go narrowly over the bar, as the first half ended scoreless.

But both sides continued to go looking for the opener and it came just before the hour mark when Town were awarded a free kick just outside the Celtic area, and Ronan Walsh left the goalie rooted to the spot with a kick that stunned even those watching the game.

Ten minutes later he provided an assist for Cian McGrath, who got on the end of Walsh’s pass with a subtle touch to give Town an unexpected but deserved two goal lead.

However, those celebrations were short-lived when Celtic’s Jack Aylward got on the end of a Julian Kerton pass to finish brilliantly past John O’Connell and reduce the deficit to a minimum once again. However, Celtic’s attempts to get back on level terms were soon struck a blow when they were reduced to ten players.

Celtic chased and chased for an equaliser, but Alex Lawless came agonisingly close to adding a third for Town when his powerful shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out to safety.

In the end the home side held out, much to the delight of their management and supporters.