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Ace Sports Awards Masters Shield Quarter Final

Raharney United FC 3 Ballycane Celtic FC 0

Ballycane made the arduous journey to Meath to face a rejuvenated Raharney side that

had recently achieved a string of impressive results.

The visitors started optimistically as Wayne Doyle effectively combined with Jamie Curran

right from the opening kick-off, putting Ballycane on the front foot. With significant

possession early on, Ballycane pinned Raharney deep in their own half, orchestrated by

Ciaran Fennell, Jacko McCormack, Bubba, and Jamie Curran in midfield. Although

Raharney were under early pressure, they appeared comfortable, with Ciaran Heaney,

John Gorman, and Glenn Ayres demonstrating a resilient defensive effort, keeping

Ballycane at bay. Raharney were quick on the break, as the midfield trio of Jason

McGrath, Carlos Jimenez, and David Sullivan aimed to exploit Ballycane's high line by

slipping the ball behind for Kristopher O'Connor and Noel Corroon to chase. Cillian

Sweeney and Kevin Higgins read the danger well, making crucial tackles during the

opening twenty minutes. The game had an edge to it, with some fierce tackling in midfield

as every ball was keenly contested. Wayne Doyle won the majority of those battles for

Ballycane.

The breakthrough for Raharney came after twenty-five minutes from a set piece that was

half-cleared; the ball fell to Jason McGrath, whose scuffed shot from twelve yards found

its way into the back of the net. Ballycane pressed hard, with Jamie Curran and Jamie

Gray delivering inviting crosses from both flanks that begged to be converted. Jonny

Finnegan had sporadic success, creating a couple of half-chances with driving runs, but

nothing significant that could pull Ballycane back on level terms. Just before halftime,

Jamie Gray’s effort clipped the top of the crossbar after he created a half-chance for

himself. Ballycane was a bit wasteful at times, either failing to move the ball quickly

enough or turning it over with poor passes. Nevertheless, the visitors felt aggrieved for

not going into the break at least on level terms given their persistent goal threat.

Ballycane were called on to defend sternly at the start of the second half when Kevin

Higgins made a great block to deny Kristopher O'Connor. Jacko McCormack began to

find pockets of space, linking play seamlessly between midfield and attack for Ballycane.

The visitors were forced into a change when Ciaran Fennell's recurring calf injury cut his

afternoon short after an excellent opening half. Johnny O'Sullivan came on wide right,

with Jamie Curran partnering Bubba in the middle. Raharney moved the ball quickly and

directly in the second half, generating good openings, including one where Finbar Furey

was forced into a vital save with his feet from Rory Dunne’s shot. 

The game became more evenly contested, but Ballycane had a goal threat for fifteen

minutes where they created excellent chances, with Jonny Finnegan missing a couple in

quick succession and Jamie Curran slipping at a critical moment just six yards out.

Ballycane had an ominous feeling that it simply wasn't going to be their day in front of the

goal. Raharney extended their lead with an hour played, awarded a free kick after an

accidental clash between Michael Shelly and Rory Dunne at the edge of the box—a

harsh decision. Jason McGrath hit a low drive that Finbar Furey managed to get behind

but couldn't stop, giving the home side a more comfortable lead as they headed into the

last ten minutes. Keelan Noone, returning from a long-term injury, made an immediate

impact, creating two good openings that forced Gary Sullivan into multiple saves. Kevin

Higgins had a glorious chance with a header that sailed just over the crossbar after a

brilliant delivery by Johnny O'Sullivan. 

In their push forward, Ballycane were caught on the counterattack as Noel Corroon did

the damage out wide, with Rory Dunne applying the finish that killed off the Ballycane

resolve. It was a frustrating day for the Naas men, who created plenty of chances but

lacked the composure and clinical finishing needed to capitalise on opportunities. They

also conceded two soft goals at the other end which made it an uphill battle. Raharney

were everything Ballycane weren’t, clinical in front of goal when opportunities arose, and

they managed to thwart Ballycane’s efforts defensively thanks to the resilient

performances of their back five. Best for Ballycane were Jamie Curran out wide and

Jacko McCormack up front. Best for Raharney were John Gorman and Glenn Ayres in

defence, with Jason McGrath and Carlos Jimenez strong in midfield. Noel Corroon also

provided significant influence out wide.

KDFL Senior Premier Shield Final

Suncroft AFC 3 Rathangan AFC 3

(Suncroft AFC win 6-5 on penalties AET)

Suncroft AFC Win Penalty Thriller 

The KDFL Senior/Premier Shield Final delivered a breathtaking spectacle on Sunday as

Premier side Suncroft AFC battled back twice against the League Shield

holders, Rathangan FC, to claim the title following a tense 6-5 penalty shootout victory.

Rathangan, showcasing their experience, started the brighter of the two teams. Their

pressure paid off in the 12th minute when they capitalised on a set-piece.  After a strong

initial save by Suncroft keeper Scott Doyle from a Lee Moore effort, the resulting corner,

taken by Iain Doyle, was played to the edge of the box where Arun Doyle hammered it

home to put Rathangan 1-0 up. Rathangan continued to look the more dangerous side for

the remainder of the half.  Lee Moore came close to doubling the lead, rattling the

crossbar, while Suncroft struggled to find cohesion, with only a long-range effort from

Shane Hanley and a wide shot from Seamus Murphy testing the Rathangan defence. 

Despite hard work from players like Suncroft’s Craig Durney and Rathangan’s Colm

Cunningham, the half-time whistle blew with the score still 1-0 to Rathangan.

Suncroft emerged after the break a vastly improved side, clearly benefiting from the half-

time adjustments.  Just before the hour mark (58th minute), they found their equaliser in

spectacular fashion.  Midfielder Tadgh Hipwell picked up the ball and unleashed

a "cracker" of a shot from 25 yards that rocketed past Rathangan keeper Kyle Maloney to

make it 1-1.

The game then opened up, with Suncroft enjoying a dominant spell. Hipwell forced

another excellent save from Maloney minutes later, and the Rathangan keeper was kept

busy, somehow getting a toe to a deflected Cathal Mahon shot to keep the scores level.

With the game seemingly destined for extra time, Rathangan landed a cruel blow in the

83rd minute. Another Iain Doyle corner found Lee Moore in the box, who converted to put

Rathangan back in front 2-1.  However, Suncroft refused to die. Deep into injury time,

following excellent work by the attacking players, the ball fell to Gareth Sage who curled a

magnificent shot into the side of the net, equalising for Suncroft (2-2) and forcing extra

time.

Extra Time and Penalty Decider

The 20 minutes of extra time were defined by fatigue but no lack of drama. Both sides

tired quickly, but the teams traded goals right up until the final whistle. Suncroft took the

lead for the first time in the 117th minute. Following an Eoin Magee corner, the ball fell to

the man of the hour, Tadgh Hipwell, who scored his second goal of the day to make it 3-2.

Yet, Rathangan found one last response. In the dying seconds of extra time, they were

awarded a penalty, which Lee Moore coolly dispatched to also claim his second goal,

levelling the match again at 3-3 and ensuring the final would be decided by penalties. The

shootout was a nail-biting affair. Rathangan took an early advantage after Suncroft

missed their third penalty.  However, Rathangan missed their subsequent attempt,

allowing Suncroft to creep back into contention.  The tension was palpable as the

shootout reached its conclusion, but after a miss by Rathangan on the seventh kick,

Suncroft held their nerve, scoring their final penalty to win 6-5 and lift the shield. Best for

Rathangan were Lee Moore, Arun and Iain Doyle, Nathan Cullen, Kyle Maloney and

Tommy Power. Best for the winner were Craig Durney, JJ Hartnett, Garreth sage, Cathal

Mahon, Arthur Bailey Farrelly and man of the match Tadgh Hipwell