REPORTS 2011/12 Sunday 15 April 2012
TSDL Premier League
Cahir Park AFC 1 Clonmel Celtic 11 A severely understrength but game Cahir Park side were no match for the fluent attacking play from Clonmel Celtic, this year's big achievers in the TSDL, vistors to Duneke on Sunday. A 43rd minute goal from Eamonn Wootton, well finished from the edge of the area, was all that the Park had to offer against a free scoring Celtic team. With hat-tricks from Whack O'Donnell and Paul Kennedy, a brace for Dwayne Burns and goals from Kieran Kendrick (well finished from the edge of the box), a well-drilled Evan Maguire effort and a chip over hapless keeper Brian Sweeney from Eddie Doyle meant that this year's national cup heroes went home happy from the visit to Cahir. With strong performances at times, particularly from cahirparkafc.com and Cahir Park AFC senior Player of the Year left-back Keelan Hickey and Shane Ryan. along with debutante Stephen Duggan and Shane McGrath, Cahir could have had more than the solitary goal but Celtic came to inflict maximum pressure and did just that with constant waves of free-flowing football troubling a defence which at times just could not cope with the speed of the attacks. The early exchanges that saw chances develop at both ends developed into one way traffic for a spell as Paul Frazer and James Darcy at the centre of defence were kept very busy. Celtic, 6-1 ahead at the break, were in a particularly rich vein of scoring form, Dwayne Burns particularly impressive for them leading the charge down the righ-hand side. Cahir Park AFC:
Brian Sweeney, Pa Fitzgerald, James Darcy, Paul Frazer, Keelan Hickey, David Finnane, Shane McGrath, Stephen Duggan, Eamonn Wootton, Gerard O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan Saturday 24 March 2012
Tipperary Cup semi-final
St Michaels 4 Cahir Park AFC 0 A well-drilled St Michaels proved too good for Cahir in this semi-final of the 2012 Tipperary Cup and in the process earned a final spot against Old Bridge. Goals from James Walsh (pen), Jimmy Carr, Pa Quinn and Michael Macguire sealed the result against a Cahir team who, although outclassed at times, never gave up the fight with a cahirparkafc.com man of the match performance from left-back Keelan Hickey. The early exchanges that saw chances developed at both ends developed into one way traffic for a spell as Paul Frazer and Barry McCormack at the centre of defence were kept very busy. On either side a strong performance from Hickey and James Darcy helped to keep a mobile Michaels attack at bay. Down by Walsh's 5th min penalty at the break, Cahir came out for a second half and aided by wind assistance under Cooke Park's lights, they saw Shane McGrath and Benny Ryan dominant at times in the centre of the park. This gave them good cause for optimism. However an experienced back-four was always too strong for a lightweight but hard-working Park attack. The Tipperary town outfit had signalled their intentions right from the off with a shot from Jason Sutton hitting the woodwork early on. With the Park weathering the expected early onslaught, they had a couple of good chances themselves at the other end with Shane Murphy, Shane Ryan and James McGrath heavily involved. Murphy, in particular, was unfortunate not to capitalize on a class through pass by Shane McGrath, his header just wide on 32 mins. Michaels, fresh off an unbeaten run to the TSDL titile were not in the humour for having a bad night, with the hugely influential left-wing Jimmy Carr and marksman Pa Quinn regularly in the spotlight. Michael Macguire was in the right place to put the ball past Brian Sweeney with a 53rd min pinpoint header. Michaels were further ahead with Richie Ryan finding Quinn, who, strolling through the defence on a 20yd run unopposed, was able to to blast past Sweeney to put three between the sides after 57 mins of play. Eamon Glesson, introduced to midfield for the departing Pakie O'Dwyer, added a little fluidity to the Park offense as Cahir kept in the game with occasional forays to trouble Derek Breen's goal. After 83 mins, the exceptional Carr was on hand again to score with Sweeney stranded to add more, undeserved misery to the visitors. With four mins left on the clock, Eamonn Wootton did mange to breach the home defence with an exquisite finish from Shane McGrath's through ball. Inexplicably the goal was ruled offside. Come full time though, the Park's early efforts had counted for nothing, with the Cahir defence eventually broken down those three times in the second half with Michaels occasionally creating chances at will, full value for the win.
Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Paul Frazer, Keelan Hickey, James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Shane McGrath, Shane Murphy, Benny Ryan, Shane Ryan Subs: Eamon Gleeson for O'Dwyer, Eamonn Wootton for Shane Ryan, Pa Fitzgerald for McCormack,
Sunday 19 February 2012 TSDL Premier League Cahir Park AFC 1 St Michaels 5 |
An experimental Park side lost out to leaders St Michaels in spite of a promising first half where Cahir were a good match for their illustrious visitors. Shane Murphy provided the goal just on half-time which had the sides level at the break. The Tipperary town outfit had signalled their intentions right from the off with a shot from John Connery hitting the woodwork after just forty seconds. With the Park weathering the expected early onslaught, they had a couple of good chances themselves at the other end with cahirparkafc.com man of the match Shane Murphy heavily involved in both, the second from him the first from Eamonn Wootton. Michaels, fresh off a defeat in the FAI Junior Cup last week, were not in the humour for a second bad week in a row though, and the highly effective Colin Bargary in the centre of the park was involved in everything combining well with right-winger Jimmy Carr and marksman Pa Quinn. The early exchanges that saw chances developed at both ends developed into one way traffic for a spell as Paul Frazer and Barry McCormack at the centre of defence were kept very busy. On either side a strong performance from Keelan Hickey and James Darcy helped to keep a mobile Michaels attack at bay. All the early effort went for nothing though, with the Park holding their nerve until the 25th minute when James Walsh finished strongly with a header from the third of a succession of corners. On the half-hour, the home team had their best effort of the game with wonderful interplay between Shane McGrath, Murphy and Wootton resulting in a fine shot going just wide. Brian Sweeney was kept busy all afternoon with a string of top-class saves including a one-handed tip over the crossbar on 39 mins as Michaels attempted to increase their lead. Cahir signalled their intentions to make a contest of it as John Lyons' whistle beckoned for the break. On 40 mins after David Finnane had come close with a header, Shane McGrath followed up with a shot rising over. The equalizer did come three mins later with a fine intervention by evergreen defender Frazer setting up Hickey for a mazy run through midfield from where he set up Murphy to apply the coolest of finishes to bring things level. After the break, it was the home side who had a great chance to go ahead, Finnane put in the clear. One-on-one with the keeper, his measured shot was marginally too strong to find its way to the right side of the post. From here, chances were few and far between with both Shane McGrath and James McGrath busier defensively than offensively. It came as no surprise therefore when Saints went ahead through Jimmy Carr on 57 mins after a torrent of attacking play down both sides finally allowed him enough space to glance the ball past Sweeney. Keeping up the incessant pressure, a two-goal margin became three with 65 mins gone -the final touch from Chris Higgins' head from yet another corner. In free flow now, Carr was close again two mins on. With another youth, Ian Flannery, replacing fellow Youth team hero Eamon Gleeson, chances opened up once again for the Park. Murphy had a fine shot deflected over as shortly afterward Finnane provided some great close control to allow Shane Ryan power a shot which was always rising. This was to be Ryan's last spell of action - his 73rd min dismissal for a second yellow card reduced the home team to ten. James Walsh made in 4-1 from the spot after Frazer was unlucky enough to handle in the box. At this point, Cahir hearts - strong to this point - finally gave in and Michaels had an opportunity to practice shoot for five mins. By the 88th min, great work down the right provided the perfect ball for former Park man Quinn to finish to put some gloss on the performance. Cahir's final league game in a disappointing campaign is against league contenders Clonmel Celtic, that to take place after next week's Tipperary Cup action.
Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Paul Frazer, Keelan Hickey, James McGrath, Eamon Gleeson, Shane McGrath, Shane Murphy, Shane Ryan, Eamon Wootton Subs: David Finnane for Wootton, Ian Flannery for Gleeson, Ger O'Dwyer for James McGrath
Sunday 5 February 2012 TSDL Premier League Wilderness Rovers 6 Cahir Park AFC 0A couple of strange refereeing decisions, the first to ban the away team's managers involvement in the game and the second not to allow substitutions for the Park did nothing to aid the visitor's effort in this on Sunday last where Cahir were up against a determined Wilderness side on their home patch. In truth, after a second half dismissal for abusive language, Cahir were defintely second best and lost all shape and commitment to the cause with the home side by far the more dominant. Hoping to re-ignite a challenge for Premier League points, the Park started this game in flying fashion with an early free well floated in to the box by Pa Fitzgerald only for no-one to connect with it. The early exchanges saw chances at both ends produce nothing with Pakie O'Dwyer strong in midfield aided on either flank by Keelan Hickey and James McGrath. All the early effort went for nothing though, with the Park going 1-0 down on 21 mins, an inrushing Fitzgerald unlucky to put through his own goal. Brian Sweeney was kept busy all afternoon with a string of top-class saves including a purposeful diving save on 23 mins as the Wildies tried to make their dominance count. On the half hour the home team were celebrating once again, this time prematurely, as Hickey got back to clear a Jonas Kerr effort off the line. The sharp Seanie O'Hara made up for this in spades however, with 36 mins gone, when he beat the offside trap to finish in style rounding Sweeney. Cahir signalled their intentions to make a contest of it with a Shane Murphy attempt bringing the best out of the Wildie's defence close to half time. With an early save in the second half by Sweeney and three successive swift attacks, Rovers smelt blood with their best effort seeing Brian Sweeney rush across his goal to smother a promising build-up. Cahirparkafc.com man of the match Shane Ryan was involved on the next attempt on the home goal, his shot going wide. With 50 mins gone however, there was a three goal margin between the sides, the Park defence powerless to stop the strong running of Dino McSharry. He finished his first of a second-half hat-trick in the process. This was to spell the start of a disastrous spell for the visitors. In a very effective period for Rovers, McSharry added two more, in the 60th and 63rd mins, the Cahir defence unable to deal with his quick feet. At the other end, Niall Kelly was the perfect foil for the little Cahir had to throw at the host's defence on the day. Coming out of the game with their first clean sheet of the season, the efforts of Ryan, Shane Murphy and Eamon Wootton had little effect on a very accomplished display by the Wilderness rearguard. With Fitzgerald seeing red in the wake of Wildie's fifth, the uphill battle was only to get worse. In what was Cahir's worst result of the season, Rovers took advantage of everything they could. The persistent Kelly added a sixth with a determined finish on 75. However when other teams might have folded even more, ironically what followed was one of the best periods in the game from Cahir. Now pushing for a consolation goal and playing their football in the other half rather than inviting the opposition on constantly, the Park had real chances to spoil the Wildie's party. First a volleyed shot from Murphy, then a Ryan free over on 79mins followed by a James Darcy cross for Eamon Wootton to work on in the box, all made real goalscoring opportunities for the visitors. With Wilderness now resorting to a trademark quick-breaking game, Cahir seemed to finally get the measure of their opponents, albeit far too late in the day. The Park were to have the final say, McGrath unfortunate not to finish better after great work on the right by Ryan. In a day remembered for off-field action as much as onfield, referee John Walsh gave a second yellow to Pakie O'Dwyer for comments made, as both teams left the field. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Eamon Gleeson, Pa Fitzgerald, James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Keelan Hickey, Shane Ryan, Eamonn Wootton, Shane Murphy. Subs: Seanie Kiernan, Ger O'Dwyer, Paul Frazer Sunday 22 January 2012 Tipperary Cup, third round Cahir Park AFC 5 St Nicholas 4 It was a goalfest at Ardfinnan Road on Sunday with the Premier League outfit getting the better of the Division One team and in the process qualifying for the last eight of the Tipperary Cup. The Park were hoping not to repeat another Cup defeat at the hands of opposition from lower leagues, having lost out in the Munster Junior Cup to St Nicholas' neighbours, Cullen-Lattin. The home side were in control and bossed the game for the most part thanks mainly to the efforts of cahirparkafc.com man of the match Shane McGrath and to Benny Ryan, both returning to the team. Both these talents acted as catalysts for others to play beyond themselves in a fine team performance. McGrath scored a quality hat-trick on the day, with Shane Murphy and James Darcy, from the spot, adding the other scores. The first five mins saw both teams take the measure of the other and the Solohead looked as up for it as their illustrious opposition. In the sixth min, the deadlock was broken with the visitors scoring first. After confusion in the home defence, Joss O'Brien was first to react to scramble the ball past Gearoid Slattery. The Park were quick to react and a Ryan free from 25 yds out on the left, had the Nicholas defence troubled. On 13 there was further trouble for the Solhead rearguard which saw them reduced to ten men after a clear handball stopped a certain Park equalizer. Stalwart James Darcy had no trouble in beating the keeper Mark Lowry not once but twice, referee John Teehan forcing a re-take for an infringement. On 20 mins great work by Pa Fitzgerald, Ryan and Shane McGrath saw the final shot smothered. Pakie O'Dwyer was involved in the next move with a classy stepover allowing a trademark dribble from Ryan to feed Shane McGrath who spotted Shane Murphy, running in from the left. Murphy finished perfectly to put the home side two-one up, 18 mins gone. Slattery had a fantastic one-handed save to make on 20 mins foiling another O'Brien effort as St. Nicholas kept up the pressure, showing they were not about to give in just yet. Immediately after, Shane McGrath was involved and from Slattery's kick-out put through a perfect ball to Shane Murphy, his shot hitting the side netting. With an half-hour gone, a rasping shot from Ryan saw Lowry parry the shot into the path of Eamonn Wootton. When it may have been easier to slide the ball home, the unfortunate Wootton managed to put the ball over the bar. On 33, the sides were once again level, a shot driven into the box at height was connected to by the head of defender Barry McCormack who deflected past Slattery. With another couple of chances going abegging up fromt, Cahir were beginning to rue so many misses from all the hard work as half-time beckoned, Wootton and Shane McGrath once more coming close. With Darcy breaking from the right and Fitzgerald from the left and Paul Frazer solid at the back, there was more and more pressure on the Solohead defence, James McGrath getting in on the action with 44 on the clock with Murphy providing the cross from the left. In a 4-3-3 formation for the second half, Cahir were far more fluent, taking good advantage of the extra man. A James Darcy cross from the right on 47 had Murphy come close to giving the Park the lead, but unbalanced, his header went harmlessly wide. In a period of dominance for the home side, first Shane McGrath and then James McGrath had effots in quick succession both blocked down by a dogged Nicholas defence who refused to throw in the towel. Sean Kiernan's introduction brought another attacking dynamic to the team with the Cahir defence well capable of stopping the odd Nicholas break. However, perhaps feeling too confident, no-one saw the neeed to attack what looked like an innocuous cross from the left on 66 mins, leaving Eoin Riordan to power home unopposed at the far post to the shock of a sizeable home support. Cahir, a chastened team, applied themselves much better now and within two mins were back level again - the first of three from Shane McGrath, his volley bulging the net after top-drawer work from Darcy and James McGrath down the right flank. A Fitzgerald cross which could have provided the ammunition for a fourth, arrived with twenty to go. Sean Kiernan, rushing in at the far post was unlucky not to connect. On 76, the inevitable lead goal did arrive - a carbon copy of the second, McGrath providing for Shane McGrath to half-volley home from 25 yards out. James McGrath, playing like a man possessed on the right, put in another excellent cross seconds later, the inrushing O'Dwyer driving over. With all the action at one end, Paul Conway and Kenny Burke took the opportunity to give an outing to another promising youth player, the solid Eamonn Gleeson introduced to the back-four. With five mins left there was still more goals in this one - the home side were two clear when Shane McGrath intercepted the ball in midfield and after a series of keepie-uppies, the first of which got him past an attempted Nicholas challenge, he sprayed the ball to James McGrath, now totally bossing the right wing. James' pinpoint cross found Shane rushing in to the box to blast past Lowry, game set and match! Lowry though, was to have the last say, for it was he who would convert the spot-kick past Slattery after Riordan was upended in the box on 89, to leave the sides with the narrowest of margins between them at game end. Cahir Park AFC: Gearoid Slattery, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Paul Frazer, Pa Fitzgerald, James McGrath, Shane McGrath, Benny Ryan, Pakie O'Dwyer, Eamonn Wootton, Shane Murphy. Subs: Seanie Kiernan for Wootton, Eamon Gleeson for McCormack, Ger O'Dwyer for Darcy, Tezi Opala Sunday 8 January 2012 TSDL Premier League Cahir Park AFC 0 Clonmel Town 1
The Park started the new year in confident mood with a resilient performance aginst troubled Clonmel Town the first game of the second half of the season. A David McGrath goal in the second half was enough to separate the sides although Paul Conway's charges can take heart from a spirted performance on the day, one which left them disappointed that the points weren't shared.
With Paul Frazer in control of early chances for Clonmel, it was going to take a big effort to breach the home defence on the day. A Keelan Hickey free on 10 was cleared confidently by Evan Comerford in the Town goal - his Minor All-Ireland goalkeeping colleague Gearoid Slattery making his debut at the other end - proving that the Park would also have to be on song to make inroads on a Town defence not playing up to their high standards this year.
David Finnane's attrempt on 25 was the nearest the home side came to scoring despite lots of assistance from a midfield pairing of James McGrath and Dean Lonergan and a cahirparkafc.com man of the match performance by the ever-willing James Darcy. With Eamonn Wooton and Shane Murphy starved of the ball up front and a solid performance from Barry McCormack, Hickey and Seanie Kiernan, the most of the game was spent to-ing and fro-ing in the middle of the park.
Towards the end of the half, it looked like the Clonmel side would be on top at the break with quick breaks beginning to wear down Cahir's best attempts at closing them out.
Inside the second 45, a quick Shane Murphy break had Comerford worried but the final shot went flying over.
Town's best efforts saw a shot stinging the hands of Slattery as he pushed it away to the left for a corner and in a good period for them, three more attempts on the Cahir goal before the home team were forced into a change in personnel.
With the ariel advantage brought about by the introduction of Liam Casey, Cahir were a changed team, raiding the wings at will, Murphy and Finnane more heavily involved.
Casey provided a pinpoint through ball on the hour for Darcy to run on to but, having taken a touch too many, Comerford was able to claim at his feet when it looked like Cahir were going one up.
The first did arrive quickly afterward, not at the Clonmel end but at the opposite end when Town's version of the long-ball game saw David McGrath first to react on 66 mins to push the ball past Slattery.
With Jimmy Hynes testing Gavin Berry, on for Kiernan, Clonmel could well have gone two up shortly afterward but what followed was pleasing to the large home crowd as a game Park side took the game to Town and ended the game without the points but certainly not lacking in trying.
On 70 Finnane had another effort and was involved again down the right to cross for Berry to shoot across the keeper. On 74 mins Clonmel broke free two on one, the final shot by David McGrath going wide when more easily scored.
Cahir Park AFC: Gearoid Slattery, Seanie Kiernan, Barry McCormack, Paul Frazer, Keelan Hickey, James Darcy, James McGrath, Dean Lonergan, David Finnane, Eamonn Wootton, Shane Murphy, David Finnane. Subs: Liam Casey for Wootton, Gavin Berry for Kiernan Sunday 18 December 2011 TSDL Premier League Cahir Park AFC 0 Peake Villa 5 Peake Villa took all three league points on offer on Sunday at Ardfinnan Road. Playing the Thurles team who have had a similar campaign to ourselves this year, this would have been earmarked as one where points may be available. From that viewpoint, the result could only be termed as deeply disappointing. From early on, Villa pressured the home side and their nice fluent style was rewarded when after only five mins, Jody Harkin putting them ahead when making the most of a hesitant defence. The Park could have been two down when Barry McCormack's attempted clearance came back off keeper Brian Sweeney's left hand post. At the Town end, Andy Fitzpatrick's penetrating run on the left wing to release a lively David Finnane deserved better with Finnane's shot just going wide. One of the best Peake chances was foiled on 33 mins when Sweeney was down quickly to deal with the second of three goalbound shots in quick succession, the final one flying over. A hardworking James Darcy was next into the action when one of his trademark forward runs from defence saw him go close with a fine shot on target with ten to go to the break. All the while though, the Park were guilty of too easily giving the ball away and then making it hard for themselves to quell the visiting team's quick runs. Peake's quick footwork earned them four corners in succession in the last five mins of the first half - from the last of these they went further ahead, keeper Sweeney unsighted as the ball passed him bound for the head of Donal Duggan at the far post. Inside the second 45, new boss Paul Conway introduced another promising youth to senior football with the debut of all-round sportsman Liam Casey, introduced for the injured Keelan Hickey. Ger O'Dwyer also replaced Shane Murphy in similar circumstances and he combined well with Shane Ryan and Finnane on introduction. With a good shot on target from Casey, it was Sweeney's goal which was under pressure from the re-start, the cahirparkafc.com man of the match quick to react to a fast dangerous break which he manged to smother well. On 65 Villa were three up, former Clonmel Town and Fairview Rangers player Ian Barnes crossing for Duggan to finish strongly. The home side were reduced to ten men in the latter stages, |Brian Sweeney sent to nthe line. With Peake adding two more goals from Michael Ryan and Noel Kent in the last twenty, it was never going to be anything but a bad day at the office for the home side, one from which many can learn lessons. Let's hope that in the New Year all can pull in the same direction to make Cahir Park players once again proud to wear the shirt. Our gratitude goes to Tom Ryan for his efforts whilst in charge in a transitionary period for Cahir Park AFC. Now a new chapter needs to begin where everyone's genuine efforts are rewarded with real support from those around them.Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Seanie Kiernan, Barry McCormack, Keelan Hickey, James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan, Andy Fitzpatrick; Shane Murphy, David Finnane. Subs: Liam Casey for Hickey, Ger O'Dwyer for Murphy, Paul Frazer
Sunday 11 December 2011 Munster Junior Cup, third round Cullen-Lattin 1 Cahir Park AFC 0 Cahir Park were due to teavel to Cullen on Sunday but a waterlogged pitch saw the game moved to Cahir. Cullen_lattin from Division Two came with nothing to lose, played to that maxim and ran out winners at game end, Davy Heffernan providing the goal that was the difference between the sides, a fine individual effort on 73 mins. It took a long time for any pattern of play to develop with tough challenges going in all round in this winner-take-all encounter, neither side being particularly accurate in the last third with the game played largely in the centre of the park. After twenty mins the visitors went close, John Russell one-on-one with the keeper only to be foiled by a pinpoint last gasp challenge from Keelan Hickey. Cullen were mobile around all areas of the pitch at this stage and fought gamely for every ball. Up front, the strength of Shane Ryan was a big plus for the home team with Adam Karina and cahirparkafc.com Man of the Match James McGrath providing good ball in support from both wings. With Ed Burke, Paul Frazer and Dean Lonergan finding it hard to make headway from midfield, the Lattin side were dominant and dealt well with all put up to them. The best move of the game from a Park perspective saw a five man move open the West Tipp boys defence - Hickey played the ball out of defence to Frazer who fed Lonergan and Karina for Ryan to provide the final shot which was smothered by Ger Ryan in the away goal. With John Russell doing well on his wing, the men in claret showed no fear of the illustrious hosts, palying with pride and passion until the break whilst Cahir's best attempts saw the introduced Shane Murphy force a corner on the 40th min, a McGrath header going over. An eager Ryan was to have the first opportunity of the second 45, his shot well on target after a Fitzgerald assist. From the clearance, a mis-timed tackle saw Fitzgerald yellow-carded, referee Tony Maher showing cards to several from both sides within the next twenty mins as tackles became over-exhuberant from both sides. Cullen-Lattin were reduced to ten men in this spell with a challenge on Pakie O'Dwyer deemed too serious. Seanie Kiernan broke from defence on the hour to put Murphy through once again, the final shot no challenge for Ryan in the visiting goal. With Tom Ryan introducing the youth top-scorer David Finnane for his debut, the Park may have believed a thee-pronged attack would be the way to foil a well-marshalled defence. Indeed Finnane did add a certain firepower for the remaing twenty mins. On 73 the goal that was to divide the teams came about with a well-worked passing movement splitting first the Park midfield and then the defence, Davy Heffernan picking the ball up thirty yards out, continuing his run to make room for himself to fire past the flailing arms of Brian Sweeney in the home goal. Shortly afterward, Cahir were down to ten also with anothe yellow card offence proving one too many for Fitzgerald. With incessant pressure for the equalizer, the Park bore down on the Lattin goalmouth which held firm with one exception - Shane Ryan had what was to be the best chance to make it 1-1 when through on goal one-on-one with Ger Ryan, the latter's save good enough to push the ball away for a corner. The final attempt of consequence saw Finnane's shot whistle over from a McGrath corner, the solitary goal enough to end the Park's interest in the Munster Junior abate for another year. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, Pa Fitzgerald, Seanie Kiernan, Pakie O'Dwyer, Keelan Hickey, James McGrath, Paul Frazer, Ed Burke, Dean Lonergan, Adam Karina; Shane Ryan. Subs: Shane Murphy for Frazer, David Finnane for Karina, James Darcy for Burke 20 November 2011 TSDL Premier League Cashel Town 3 Cahir Park AFC 1 Cashel Town took all three league points on offer on Sunday at Palmershill Park, Cashel. Playing the hosts for the fourth time this season, Cahir were seldom in contention to get anything from the game from the time a 16th min strike put Town ahead. From then on, despite a strong finish and occasional forays to trouble the Cashel defence, the Park were generally second best and a combination of inaccuracy and poor passing meant they only had John Carew's late goal in reply to two quick second half goals from from Henry Flynn. The Park, ironically, could have taken the lead before Cashel settled, the first quarter-hour offering no real clear-cut chance for either side. On 16 mins the deadlock was broken with an accurate through ball from a free-kick finding a free forward to poke home. One of the Park's chances on 20 mins saw Pa Fitzgerald almost connect at the far post from a corner from the foot of Darren Sweeney to be followed shortly by a header from Paul Frazer which was close to bulging the home net. At the back meanwhile cahir parkafc.com man of the match Gavin Berry along with James Darcy and Barry McCormack were kept busy as the speedy James Harding caused havoc on the right flank with Frazer clearing a certain goal chance on 25 mins. Town had a purple patch for twenty mins and accurate, short passes were in evidence to scythe through the Park midfield and defence at will, luckily for a good travelling support the final shot generally leaving something to be desired. With just over half an hour gone, Cahir had James Darcy to thank when his timely intervention prevented a one-on-one with Brian Sweeney from increasing the score for Cashel. The final chance of the half would however go to the Park and an ever-more impressive Adam Karina made space for himself to fire in a shot which just veered over. The second half was just six mins old when Flynn struck to put Cashel further ahead. He kept his head when intercepting the ball at the eighteen-yard line and finished off a great individual effort. Four mins later two became three with a carbon copy of his second effort. Cahir heads began to drop and but from some strategic changes, it looked like damage limitation would be the order of the day. With Carew on on the wing Cahir found a new strength. It was two between the sides when his 67th min attempted chip had the desired results and the twenty yarder dropped perfectly behind the keeper and into the net. Buoyed by this Cahir would have the best of the next ten mins, Cashel left to a few long-range speculative efforts. Ger O'Dwyer was now the point of attack and he had two good chances that could well have levelled the game, both unfortunately not put away. The first saw him three yards from a crowded goal after good work from Karina and Carew released a perfect ball, the second a headed chance with six mins left, Shane Murphy this time the one to assist. Just on full time, the Town defence were once again troubled by O'Dwyer, his final chance a longer-range header was unlikely to change the scoreline, the home side running out deserved winners. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Seanie Kiernan, Gavin Berry; Adam Karina, Paul Frasier, Shane Ryan, Pa Fitzgerald; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: James McGrath for Shane Ryan, John Carew for Sweeney, Jason Coffey for Paul Frazer, Gerard O'Dwyer for Murphy, Declan Enright 13 November 2011 Munster Junior Cup, second round Vee Rovers 1 Cahir Park AFC 3 Local bragging rights were up for contention as Vee Rovers hosted the Park at Scart on Sunday last. With many former Park men in their ranks, Vee would relish the opportunity to put one over their illustrious neighbours. Indeed it looked like that just might happen with the home side taking an early lead, carry it to the break but to fall away with early second half goals from Cahir which were added to by game end. The Park were one down on 7 mins, Warren O'Brien taking full advantage of an error in defence. A nervous Park team took some time to settle but when they did, Shane Ryan was close to opening their account when his shot in a crowded box could only fall to the Clogheen side's keeper. The early pressure from the home team continued and buoyed by the early goal they were almost two up from a free but for a fine save from Brian Sweeney. On 20 mins great work by cahirparkafc.com Man of the Match Adam Karina freed Shane Murphy to shoot just past the post. At the other end, Vee's latest chance saw another free saved at his right-hand post by Sweeney who provided yet another outstretched save on 35 to prevent further harm to a sometimes shaky defensive record. Jason Coffey's free header in the box from a James McGrath corner was the best of what the visitors could offer as the half wore down but an always industrious Shane Murphy was on hand to provide a pinpoint pass to Darren Sweeney who lost a great opportunity by shooting over when he had more space than he thought available. As the break approached, it was the home side who made best use of the ball, former Park man Cormac Crowe very close with a fine chance after splitting the Park defence with a trademark run. Cahir came out a chastened team and applied themselves much better in this game of two halves, McGrath showing great promise when close to connecting with the first free of the half floated into the area. Immediately, Murphy was in to challenge the keeper symbolizing a new found vigour in the Park approach. Also within the opening few minutes, Pa Fitzgerald and Karina worked well to provide a constant feed for hungry strikers with Seanie Kiernan at the back dependable on dealing with the ever reducing Rovers forays into Cahir's half. Deservedly, the equalizer arrived on 53 mins with Kiernan providing a through ball for Murphy to latch on to. One became two within two mins, with Sweeney at the far post to meet Murphy's assist. Happy with the lead, Cahir then began to sit back again and were severely tested by Crowe and O'Brien efforts, James Darcy having to be at his best to deal with the effervescent O'Brien on the left flank. The best Rovers effort in this period saw a shot come back off the right-hand post and come back in to play to be cleared by Barry McCormack. A 77th min free on the edge of the box for Rovers proved the turning point of the game, Sweeney once again equal to the free. The fine home crowd sensed this may have been the best of the Clogheen's side's chances. Crowe teamed up with Shane Tobin to provide what would their last real effort to get something from the game. At the other end, a busy John Carew has been introduced and he wasted no time in testing the keeper with a fine strike. At the opposite end a succession of corners came to nothing for the home team, Carew clearing upfield from the second one to provide a chance for Murphy again. However, it would be Carew himself who had the final say when receiving the ball on the eighteen yard line and working himself into space to fire past the busy Clogheen netminder. Cahir now travel to Cullen for the third round clash and can feel confident based on this performance. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Seanie Kiernan, Gavin Berry; Adam Karina, Jason Coffey, Shane Ryan, Pa Fitzgerald; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: James McGrath for Shane Ryan, John Carew for Sweeney, Paul Frazer, Gerard O'Dwyer, Declan Enright
6 November 2011
TSDL Premier League Cahir Park AFC 0 Two Mile Borris 0 The Park had the ideal opportunity to claim third place in the League with a home win on Sunday against strugglers Borris. With the visitors reduced to ten men on 20 mins, Cahir should have take advantage but in fact didn't and a dour display left matters level at the break. Openings at both ends meant the second half was far more enjoyable as a spectacle with the home team putting pressure on the Borris goal incessantly but always at the risk of allowing a quick break from the visitors to ensure that Brian Sweeney in goal was kept busy all afternoon. Within the opening few minutes, Pa Fitzgerald tested the Borris keeper and proved to be a real handful while down the opposite flank debutant Adam Karina showed enough to ensure we'll see him regularly through the rest of the campaign. Brian Sweeney was called into action with 25 gone, comfortably handling a succession of Borris attacks, as often happens the 10-man team being the ones to adapt and play above themselves while the Park were left to few opportunities as a result of inaccurate passing and lack of concentration. With top-scorer trying hard up front, he was given a chance to break the deadlock on 28mins, his delicate chip curling past the target. A fast Borris break saw them try to chip Sweeney who was alive to the danger. With ten mins to the break, Karina was involved in a one-two with Pakie O'Dwyer to allow a tireless Shane Murphy a chance on goal, his shot smothered by an aware away keeper. On settling down, the home side had the better of the early second -half exchanges and Barry McCormack could have been more lucky with an accurate header from a Murphy corner. cahirparkafc.com man of the match Shane Ryan worked an opening for himself on the edge of the box to unleash a cracker which took the best efforts of the Borris net-minder to stop. Sweeney was almost caught off his line on 62 mins with good vision show by the Borris midfield general in his attempt to put the visitors ahead. After some strategic changes on both sides, all changes bringing something more positive to the game, Seanie Kiernan was called to action in an effort to stop a marauding right winger cause further trouble to a defence well marshalled by McCormack and Gavin Berry. A Fitzpatrick volley followed by a Murphy volley were amongst the best of the attempts as the game wound down into something frustraing for the home side with a combination of top-class goalkeeping, inaccurate shooting and plain bad luck keeping the tie scoreless. Ryan had another attempt to break the deadlock but home fans knew it was not to be their day when an impressive John Carew was put in the clear on 89 mins but for his header to come back off the crossbar. A hard-earned point ahead of the Cup clash with neighbours Vee Rovers in Clogheen in seven days time. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Seanie Kiernan, Gavin Berry; Adam Karina, Pakie O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan, Pa Fitzgerald; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: John Carew for Kiernan, Keelan Hickey for Fitzgerald, Andy Fitzpatrick for Karina, Jason Coffey, Paul Frazer, James McGrath 30 October 2011 TSDL Premier League Peake Villa 1 Cahir Park AFC 1 The Park started well in this one and were unlucky not to claim all three points by game end. With a high workrate and good pressure, the visitors went ahead when good support work from Shane Ryan and Pakie O'Dwyer put through Shane Murphy on ten mins and his low shot found the net through a crowded area. In the early quarter, it was all Cahir with Darren Sweeney pulling a good save out of the Peake goalie. On settling down, the home side had the better of the next exchanges and were back on level terms after a succession of corners saw them eventually find space to put a good shot through the Cahir defence. Cahirparkafc.com man of the match Shane Ryan was in full flight early in the second half and his penetrative play was unlucky not to reap a reward as the visiting defence stayed well on top of anything on offer from the hosts. The Park may consider themselves unfortunate not to take more from the game and will look forward with confidence to next weeks home encounter with Two-Mile-Borris. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Seanie Kiernan, Gavin Berry; James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Shane Ryan, Pa Fitzgerald; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: Jason Coffey for McCormack, John Carew for Darren Sweeney, Keelin Hickey for Shane Ryan, Andy Fitzpatrick, Simon Williams 23 October 2011 Tipperary Cup, first round Cahir Park AFC 4 Kilbehenny Celtic 0 Cahir Park came away from a rain soaked Ardfinnan Road with a predictably comfortable win against lower division opposition in fouth division Kilbehenny Celtic. Celtic kept in the game for the first half-hour, however goals from Darren Sweeney, James Darcy, a debut goal from John Carew and a fine finish by Shane Ryan ensured a good run-out in the early morning kick-off for the home team. The Park had to spend some time to settle into the game before Celtic were broken down in the twenty-ninth minute with Darren Sweeney finishing his seventh competitive goal of the season from a fine assist by a bright Pakie O'Dwyer pass to split the defence. Cahir's domination continued with the returning Barry McCormack and Seanie Kiernan solid in defence and James Darcy and Gavin Berry taking full advantage of space along the wings, From one of these breaks, Shane Murphy had an effort hit the woodwork. Inside the second half, Darcy's raiding of the wings along with Pa Fitzgerald and James McGrath produced fruit - Jason Coffey breaking through from his midfield berth to free Darcy with a pinpoint cross from the left, Darcy finishing well. With cahirparkafc.com manof the match O'Dwyer in great form in the centre of the park, Sweeney and the substitute Shane Ryan had plenty of efforts to increase the scoreline. A turn on the edge of the box allowed Ryan blast past the Celtic keeper to put three between the sides on 70 mins. He could well have has his second four mins later with a directed shot heading for the corner but for Carew putting his head to it and consequently been ruled offside. With ten mins left, Sweeney missed a great opportunity when hitting the underside of the bar when clean through after great work by Fitzgerald on the right flank. Carew did have the chance to make up for the earlier miss in the 88th min - a close-in finish getting the better of the visitor's defence as the gulf between the teams began to show. So it's Cahir who go forward tot he second round of the 43-team competition and it is they who will look forward with confidence to another challenge in a Cup won last year by Tipp town outfit St Micheals. Meanwhile, the Park are back in League action at Peake Villa next Sunday. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Barry McCormack, Seanie Kiernan, Gavin Berry; James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Jason Coffey, Pa Fitzgerald; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: John Carew for McGrath, Shane Ryan for Murphy, Simon Williams for Coffey. 16 October 2011 FAI Junior Cup, second round Cashel Town 4 Cahir Park AFC 0 Cahir Park ended their interest in the 724-team FAI Junior Cup competition on Sunday at Palmershill Park, Cashel. Playing the hosts for the third time this season, Cahir were seldom in contention to get anything from the game from the time Andy Flynn's 16th min strike put Town ahead. From then on, despite a bright start to the second half, the Park were always second best and a combination of lethargy and enforced team changes meant they bowed out thanks to further goals from ex-Park schoolboy James Harding and two from Henry Flynn. The Park, ironically, could have taken the lead before Cashel settled, with Shane Murphy and James McGrath coming close. Early chances also for Alan Ward, with a 13th min free-kick saved well by the keeper for Cashel, Philly Doherty. As Cashel began to assert their influence, Darren Sweeney, so often athe danger at the other end this season, was called into service in goal, and reacted well. Andy Flynn's first goal for the hosts was well deserved on the balance of play - a perfectly-timed volley finished well. Their good, quick and accurate passing was in contrast to the visitors, who just never seemed to get out of the traps despite their best efforts. Cashel's hunger suggested they didn't want to suffer a hat-trick of defeats at the hands of the Cahir men. With another free-kick from Ward on 25 mins finding only the keeper's arms, there was futher opportunity for Town to attack from the quick despatch of Doherty. But for the quick-thinking and accurate interception of Pakie O'Dwyer just inside the area, the Park could have been further behind. The clearance was completed with typical drive by James Darcy, a cahirparkafc.com man of the match performance for encouragement in leading by example. Not getting their share of the breaks, Cahir went further behind a minute before half-time after Haring's threatening run down the right put a perfect ball in the box for Henry Flynn to finish. The Cahir team's best spell came in the first ten mins of the second 45 and threatening efforts from Shane Murphy, Shane Ryan, James McGrath and Jason Coffey had Doherty on his toes. Competing much more effectively, Pa Fitzgerald and impressive debutante John Carew had much more of the play on the flanks and began to make inroads in a solid Cashel defence. Chasing their first of the day, Cahir were punished on the break with Harding, last in line of three potentiasl finishers to a cross from the right, leaving Sweeney stranded. With Henry Flynn's header putting more daylight between the sides, the Park were left to fight for nothing but pride. To their credit, they continued to do this and good interplay between Coffey and Murphy on the right and a tame shot from the latter, deserved more. A 70th min attempted bicycle kick finish from Carew almost brought joy to a good travelling support whilst two final efforts from Darcy (an 84th min shot whistling wide) and McGrath (one on one with the keeper but seeing his effort smothered) brought Cahir's attempts for the day to a close and a deserved win for Town at game end. Cahir Park AFC: Darren Sweeney, Simon Williams, James Darcy, Keelan Hickey, Seanie Kiernan; Pa Fitzgerald, James McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Alan Ward; Jason Coffey, Shane Murphy. Subs: Shane Ryan for Ward, John Carew for Williams, Ger O'Dwyer for Coffey, Bartosz Opala. 2 October 2011 Munster Junior Cup, first round Cahir Park AFC 2 Cashel Town 2 (Cahir Park win 3-1 on pens) Played in pleasant conditions, Cahir Park entertained a Cashel side which they had already overcome in an earlier League clash this season. Cashel, however, were far the brighter side in the opening quarter hour, Cahir being lucky to keep it scoreless until themselves kicking into action with goals from Andy Fitzpatrick and a well-placed free-kick from Darren Sweeney. In cruise control, until the break, the home side then let a similar pattern develop in the second 45, Cashel exacting full payment with goals from John Kennedy and Ned Butler. The cup clash then went to extra time with no further goals and then finally to penalties, Brian Sweeney in blistering form to save two and scoring one on the way to a 3-1 win from spot kicks for the hosts. Cahirparkafc.com man of the match Sweeney was early into action inside the first five mins with a reaction save spoiling an early Cashel chance. Town were also inside the danger area when a well-floated header from a corner went just wide. It took all of twenty five mins for the home side to trouble the Town keeper. James McGrath, playing a fine game once again on the right wing, fed Shane McGrath and, in turn, Shane Murphy, the final effort deserving better. Free-scoring Darren Sweeney then came to life also with a classy chip going just over. The same player did provide the opener on 28 mins - a free-kick conceded 20 yds out was converted successfully following the bearing fruit of a set-piece routine worked on in training. Just on the half-time whistle, an accurate James McGrath shot from a Shane McGrath / Sweeney routine had the Cashel keeper called to action - the rebound finished well by Andy Fitzpatrick in the right place at the right time. Cahir's second-half early chances had an effort involving Keelan Hickey, Fitzpatrick and finally, Shane Murphy come close, going underneath the goalie and wide. Town's early bright spell from the first half was repeated in the second and they were full value for their first goal, scored by John Kennedy when, in the 65th min, he found the ball at his feet in a crowded box and drilled it home confidently past Brian Sweeney. At the other end, Murphy was not to be outdone, a purposeful header landing on target but without the necessary strength behind it. On 76 mins, Shane Ryan, on for Sweeney in a re-jigged home side, had to be alert to clear from another dangerous Cashel attack from their marauding right winger. The next attack from the visitors did provide them with what was required - Ned Butler, appearing amazed that the ball had forced its way through a strong home defence, had a scuffed shot roll under Sweeney's body and into the net, honours even with eleven mins to go. The Cahir midfield, with both McGraths playing their part, then took hold of the game, hoping to win in regulation time. James McGrath, creating space in the box with a mazy run, allowed Murphy to produce a stinging shot, well held by the travelling net-minder. The final shot in anger came from a rasping shot from Fitzpatrick after a Park corner. In the first period of extra time, only two Sweeney punches clear kept Cashel from stealing the tie. A wonderful long-range pass from O'Dwyer found Murphy clean through on 102 mins, his angle narrowing all the time, the strength of his attempt on goal was reduced, the keeper parrying it away for a corner. In a commanding performance in the centre of the Park, Ryan cleared all Town ball as penalties beckoned. Keeper Sweeney had the last action, when he could have been punished more severely when spilling a shot saved on the edge of the area. It would come down to the aforementioned keeper to become the hero of the day on spot kicks. Both Town's penalties were saved by him, Murphy's spot kick to the centre and James Darcy penalty to the right putting Cahir ahead two-nil. With Henry Flynn shooting over for the visitors, keeper beat keeper with Sweeney's blaster to the left claiming a place in the second round for the home side. Cahir Park AFC: Brian Sweeney, James Darcy, Seanie Kiernan, Paul Frazer, Keelan Hickey; James McGrath, Shane McGrath, Pakie O'Dwyer, Andy Fitzpatrick; Darren Sweeney, Shane Murphy. Subs: Pa Fitzgerald for Frazer, Shane Ryan for D Sweeney, Jason Coffey for Kiernan, Gavin Berry, Alan Ward. 25 September 2011 Clonmel Credit Union Premier League Clonmel Celtic 4 Cahir Park AFC 0 The trip to leaders Clonmel Celtic was always going to be a big challenge for a Cahir Park side in transition and so it proved to be on Sunday last, the Park at the wrong end of a 4-0 score-line which showed a gulf between the experience available to both sides, Celtic fielding a settled side whilst the visitors could not be said to be at full strength. Dominant for a large part of the game, the Celtic fans present would have been happy with the performance. With keeper Brian Sweeney one of the busiest players on the pitch, the Celtic attack force marshalled by Paddy O'Donnell had a good day at the office. It took about 15 mins for the Park to settle enough to put any coherent attack together - youth player Keelan Hickey taking off on a run from defence which saw him pressurise the Celtic rearguard. After soaking some Clonmel pressure, Pakie O'Dwyer was unlucky with two long-rang efforts making best use of the windy conditions. The first goal came in the 24 |
