2023 County Football League Division 3 Final
Ballylooby/Castlegrace 3-9 (15)
Cappawhite 1-3 (6)
By Michael McCarthy.
On a warm summer’s evening on a good surface in Leahy Park, Cashel, Ballylooby/Castlegrace captured the FBD Insurance County Football League Division 3 title in some style.
The south side led from start to finish and never looked in any trouble over the sixty minutes. The early exchanges were even until the fifth minute, when Ballylooby were awarded a dubious penalty. Danny Morgan stepped up and did the honours, sending the Cappawhite ‘keeper Aidan Mair the wrong way. Cappawhite were then forced into their first change when corner back Tommy Coughlan, injured in the collision that led to the penalty, was replaced due to a head injury. Ballylooby struck for another goal two minutes later when corner forward Zack Keating got in for a well-worked score and he duly followed up on 10 minutes with a third. The score at this point, three goals to nil, was more reminiscent of a soccer game. Cappawhite were forced into a second substitution when hardworking wing forward Tom Treacy had to be replaced. The teams traded points through Eoghan Ryan and William Dunne, who was a constant thorn in the west team’s side. Cappawhite were starting to get a foothold in the game and a well-worked move saw Ben White through the middle pass to his right to Willie Barry, but the Ballylooby goalie Sean Lonergan was quick off his line, diving with his feet to block the shot for a 45. A goal then would have been the lifeline Cappawhite needed.
The west side were reduced to 14 men a few minutes later and it was always an uphill battle from there. At half-time the score was Ballylooby/Castlegrace 3-2 Cappawhite 0-2.
The second half started with Ballylooby again in the ascendency and they were dominating throughout the field, with the 14 men of Cappawhite unable to get the ball up the pitch. Ballylooby’s Chris O’Donnell and Ronan O’Dwyer chipped in with scores while the ever-dangerous William Dunne added to his handsome total from frees. Cappawhite were wasteful in possession and when they did get up the field they kicked some poor wides. Willie Barry had a great chance for a goal following good work from Dara McCarthy, and despite being fouled in the square he kicked the ball over the bar following the advantage given by the referee. Both teams had emptied the bench at this stage as the game was over as a contest. Cappawhite’s Thomas Costello was fouled for a penalty, which Willie Barry slotted home to give some respectability to the scoreline. Willie Dunne rounded off the scoring with a very good score from a free to leave the south side 12-point winners.
Ballylooby had the better players all over the field but had star performers in full and centre backs Kieran and Brian O’Donnell. Danny Morgan was excellent at midfield while the full forward line of Zach Keating, William Dunne and Brian Fitzgerald were on top all day. Cappawhite tried hard but never got to the pitch of the game. Conor Martin and Jack Armshaw at wing back were busy while Dara McCarthy and Willie Barry were the best of the forwards.
It was an important win for Ballylooby and sets them up well for the forthcoming championship. On Sunday they were a well drilled side and played some excellent football at times. For Cappawhite it was a wake-up call ahead of the West Junior A Championship.
Ballylooby/Castlegrace: Sean Lonergan (Captain), Ger Beary, Kieran O’Donnell, Conor Morrissey, Dylan Morrissey, Brian O’Donnell, Brendan Walsh, David O’Halloran, Danny Morgan (1-0), Paddy Doyle, Pierce Murphy, Chris O’Donnell (0-2), William Dunne (0-6), Brian Fitzgerald, Zach Keating (2-0).
Subs used: John Fennessy, Ronan O’Dwyer (0-1), Andrew Burke and Paul Murphy.
Cappawhite: Aidan Mair, Tommy Coughlan, Mikey O’Brien, Kevin Stapleton, Conor Martin, Pakie Barry, Jack Armshaw, Ben White, Sam Carmody, Dara McCarthy (Captain), Eoghan Ryan, Tom Treacy, Sean Cleary, Willie Barry and Ciarán Ryan.
Subs used: Ross Dunne (temporary), Daire Duggan, Noel Ryan, Rian Doody, Thomas Costello and Cormac Heffernan.
Referee: Brian Tyrrell (Clonmel Commercials).
(Back L-R): Noel Ryan, Kevin Stapleton, Seán Cleary, Ben White, Pakie Barry, Willie Barry, Jerry O’ Neill, Aidan Mair, Ciarán Ryan (P), Daire Duggan, Conor Martin, Eoghan Ryan. (Front L-R): Dara McCarthy (Captain), Jack Armshaw, Tommy Coughlan, Tom Treacy, Rian Doody, Ross Dunne, Mikey O’ Brien, Thomas Costello, Sam Carmody, Cormac Heffernan.
Sean Lonergan, Brian Tyrrell & Dara McCarthy.
Ballylooby/Castlegrace’s Ger Beary (left) and Cappawhite’s Jack Armshaw in a scrap for possession. (Picture by Michael Boland)
Path to the Final:
County Football League Semi Final – Saturday 3 June 2023
Cappawhite: 3-13
Emly 2-7
Venue: Emly
Referee: David Grogan
Cappawhite Team: Aidan Mair, Tommy Coughlan, Sean Ryan W, Ross Dunne, Gearoid Ryan B, Philip Gantley, Daire Duggan, Ben White, David Buckley, Dara McCarthy, Eoghan Ryan, Mikey Carmody, Michael O’Neill, Willie Barry, Ciaran Ryan P.
Round 4 – Thursday 4th May 2023
Cappawhite 2-9
Ballingarry 2-5
Referee Tom McGlinchey
Venue: Cappawhite
Round 2 – Saturday 8th April 2023
Cappawhite 2-9
Galtee Rovers 2-9
Venue: Bansha
Referee: Donie Horan
Team & Scorers: Dara McCarthy, Tommy Coughlan, Sean Ryan, Daire Duggan, Willie Barry (0-1), Pakie Barry, Philip Gantley, Ryan Renehan, David Buckley (0-1), Caoimhin Doody (0-1), Michael P Buckley (0-1), Mikey O’Brien (0-1), Sam Carmody, Colm O’Dwyer, Gearoid Lennon (1-1).
Subs Used: Michael O’Neill (0-1f), Ciaran Doody (1-0)
Round 1 – 26 March 2023
Cappawhite 3-6
Rosegreen 2-7
Venue: Cappawhite
Referee: Paddy Russell
Team & Scorers: Aidan Mair, Tommy Coughlan, Mikey O’Brien, Kevin Stapleton, Jack Armshaw (1-1), Pakie Barry, Willie Barry (0-1), Ryan Renehan, David Buckley, Dara McCarthy (1-0), Michael P Buckley (0-2), Ciaran Ryan (P) (0-1), Neil Clancy, Colm O’Dwyer (1-0), Eoghan Ryan (0-1). Subs Used: Daire Duggan, Sean Cleary, Sam Carmody, Conor Martin, Cian O’Carroll.
