Cadbury Munster U21FC Final – Tipperary 1-7 Kerry 1-6

Tipperary captured the Cadbury Munster Under 21 Football Championship title for the first time thanks to a hard earned 1-7 to 1-6 victory over Kerry in Austin Stack Park Tralee.

Title glory at last for terrific Tipp

Tipperary 1-7 Kerry 1-6

By Fintan O’Toole for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Thursday, April 01, 2010

THEY have endured shattering disappointments in the U21 football grade, but last night in Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Tipperary swept aside that hurt to finally inscribe their name on the Munster roll of honour. It was far from an-eye catching encounter but that will not perturb Tipperary and their supporters in the crowd of 2,650 who celebrated in riotous fashion at this historic success.  Substitute Shane Egan was their hero on the scoreboard with the Galtee Rovers man make a dazzling contribution after being introduced at half-time. In a match where scores were a scarce commodity, he showed superb poise to flight over two brilliant points in the closing ten minutes. That nudged Tipperary into a 1-7 to 1-5 lead, and a combination of erratic Kerry finishing and resilient defending ensured a 59th minute Barry John Walsh free was the solitary scoring response by the Kingdom.

Captain Ciarán McDonald, Donal Lynch and John Coghlan, who had appeared in each of Tipperary’s last three Munster U21 final losses, starred in an excellent defensive display by Tipperary. They shut down a Kerry attack that had chalked up totals of 0-19 and 1-18 in their previous two encounters and it remarkable that Kerry only managed to strike three points from play over the hour here.  Apart from Egan’s contribution, the consistent industry and energy of Sean Carey at wing-forward and Alan Moloney at midfield were shining facets for Tipperary, but the real star was Peter Acheson. The Moyle Rovers man was in magnificent form at midfield, deservedly garnering the man-of-the-match accolade afterwards and it was fitting that the game concluded with a stunning catch by Acheson from a Kerry kick-out.

Tipperary’s opted to play with the strong wind blowing down towards the Horan End at their backs. Manager John Evans configured his defence at the start as well with Kerry’s attacking strengths in mind with their two most proficient defenders, Coghlan and McDonald, kept back near goal to mind Kerry’s chief marksmen Paul Geaney and Barry John Walsh. Tipperary were clearly aware of the potential damage that duo could cause and their fears were realised as early as the 7th minute. Walsh filled the role of strong ball winner and provider, and Geaney was the composed finisher in rolling the ball to the net underneath Tipperary goalkeeper Kieran Kenrick.  Tipperary’s early play was ponderous going forward and their attacks frequently stalled around the 45-yard line. That was also due to the way Kerry set out their team with the ploy of pulling Daithí Casey back to operate as a third midfielder, paying a healthy dividend again as Casey’s industry and ball-playing skills made a big impact. The solid defensive spine of Kieran O’Connor and Brian Shanahan, allied to the assistance provided by Casey and midfielder Edmond Walsh, meant Kerry restricted the Premier side to just a single point in the opening quarter.

Kerry raided forward for a pair of valuable points as well in quick succession in the 14th and 15th minutes from Edmond Walsh and Paul Geaney that left them 1-2 to 0-1 ahead after the first quarter.  Tipperary’s play was greatly enhanced nearing the interval and they ended an 18 minutes scoring drought with a Conor Sweeney free in the 21st minute. Then they struck a significant blow with their first score from open play in the 25th minute. A perceptive crossfield pass by Acheson released Lynch who weaved through the Kerry backline and passed to Bernard O’Brien who slammed a fierce shot to the net. The goal nourished Tipperary’s hopes and they closed the half in a rousing manner with Alan Moloney landing a brace of good long-distance points.  The 1-4 to 1-2 half-time lead for Tipperary looked to be a flimsy advantage though. Kerry emerged for the second-half with renewed vigour and by the 38th minute they had erased the deficit on the scoreboard when Barry John Keane hit a free and substitute Patrick Curtin rifled over from play.  A Keane free in the 42nd minute pushed them ahead but their shooting was desperately poor, they struck eight bad wides in the second-half, and when Carey tied the teams with free in the 47th minute, the sense was that Tipperary had a real chance. Ultimately they were not to be denied with a strong finish sealing a momentous night for Tipperary football.

Egan helps Tipp end Munster wait

From the Irish Independent newspaper

TIPPERARY 1-7 KERRY 1-6

MUNSTER U21FC FINAL

Thursday April 01 2010

TIPPERARY caused a sensation in Tralee last night when they beat Kerry in the Cadburys Munster U-21 football final by a single point in a dramatic encounter. Kerry had won 25 Munster titles while Tipperary had lost on their previous nine attempts in finals so there was much rejoicing at the final whistle.  And it was a game that Tipperary deserved to win after struggling to get in front in the first half but the introduction of Shane Egan in the second period made all the difference as he kicked two vital points.  To add to Kerry’s woes, Tipperary were managed by Killorglin man John Evans and he has been responsible for the renaissance in Tipperary football.  The Premier County took over at midfield after half-time where the brilliant Peter Acheson gave a man of the match display as Kerry wasted some gilt-edged scoring chances, with seven wides costing them dearly.

Despite playing against the icy wind, Kerry got off to a dream start with a goal in the seventh minute when Barry Shanahan sent Mikey Geaney racing down the left. He fed Barry John Walsh who put Paul Geaney through and he rounded the ’keeper before shooting to the net. Tipperary were having problems coping with Kerry’s ploy of playing corner-forward Daithi Casey as a third midfielder and his pace caused major problems. Kerry carried the ball well against the wind with Casey carving open the Tipperary defence with searing runs which resulted in points from Edmund Walsh and Paul Geaney as the home side led 1-2 to 0-1 at the end of the opening quarter.

Then, in the 26th minute, Tipperary were right back in it thanks to a goal that was superbly carved out by Acheson whose 30-metre cross-field pass found corner-back Donal Lynch unmarked and he played in Bernard O’Brien who blasted to the Kerry net.  Alan Moloney then gave Tipp the lead with a point after a superb catch and then added another from a freeas Tipperary led 1-4 to 1-2 at the interval.

With wind advantage, Kerry made a bright start to the second half and were level inside the opening ten minutes with points from Barry John Keane (free) and a superb effort from substitute Pa Curtin. Keane gave the Kingdom the lead, with a 40-metre free. Tipperary, though, were level in the 47th minute when Sean Carey got their first score of the half from a free.  Then Tipperary got stuck in and after Kerry kicked three successive wides, Egan gave Tipperary the lead in the 53rd minute and doubled their advantage, three minutes later. Keane went for goal when a point was on and despite a Walsh point in the 58th minute, Tipperary, with Acheson the hero, held out for an historic first Munster U-21 crown.

SCORERS – Tipperary: B O’Brien 1-0, S Carey 0-2f, A Moloney 0-2 (1f), S Egan 0-2, C Sweeney 0-1f. Kerry: P Geaney 1-1, BJ Keane 0-2 f, BJ Walsh (f ), E Walsh and P Curtin 0-1 each.

KERRY – T Mac an tSaoir; P Crowley, K O’Connor, B McGuire; P O’Connor, B Shanahan, J Lyne; J Buckley, E Walsh; P O’-Donoghue, B J Keane, M Geaney; D Casey, B J Walsh, P Geaney.
Subs: P Curtin for P O’Donoghue (36 mins), G O’Keeffe for M Geaney (48).

TIPPERARY – K Kenrick; R Kiely, C McDonald, D Lynch; P O’Dwyer, J Coghlan, D O’Dwyer; A Moloney, P Acheson; S Carey, B O’Brien, A Matassa; C Sweeney, B O’Meara, M O’Dwyer.
Subs: S Egan for B O’Meara (h/t), T Hanley for B O’Brien (50)

REF – C Lane (Cork)

Tipperary finally claim crown

From the Irish Times newspaper

Munster Under-21 Football Final – Tipperary 1-7 Kerry 1-6: TIPPERARY CAUSED a major shock at Austin Stack Park in Tralee last night when they claimed the under-21 provincial football crown in a dramatic final. Kerry had already claimed 21 Munster titles, while Tipp had never won in their previous nine attempts in finals, so there was much rejoicing at the final whistle. Despite playing against the icy wind, Kerry got off to a dream start with a goal in the seventh minute when Barry Shanahan picked up a breaking ball and sent Mikey Geaney racing down the left. He fed Barry John Walsh who put Paul Geaney through and he rounded the goalkeeper. Tipperary were having serious problems coping with Kerry’s ploy of playing corner forward Daithí Casey as a third midfielder and his pace caused the visitors difficulties at the back.

The home side carried the ball well against the wind with Casey carving open the Tipp defence with searing runs in the 14th and 15th minutes which resulted in points from Edmund Walsh and Paul Geaney as Kerry led 1-2 to 0-1 at the end of the opening quarter. Then, in the 26th minute, Tipperary were right back in the game thanks a goal that was superbly carved by man-of-the-match Peter Acheson whose 30-metre crossfield pass found corner back Donal Lynch unmarked and he put Bernard O’Brien through, who blasted the ball to the Kerry net. Alan Moloney then gave Tipp the lead with a left-footed point and then added another from a free in injury-time as Tipperary led 1-4 to 1-2 at the interval.

Kerry made a bright start to the second half and were level inside the opening 10 minutes with points from Barry John Keane, from a free, and a great effort from substitute Pa Curtin. Kerry were now on top as Tipp were forced to defend in numbers and Keane gave the Kingdom the lead from a 40-metre free. Tipperary were back on level terms in the 47th minute when Seán Carey got their first score of the second half. Then, after three wides from Kerry, Shane Egan gave Tipp the lead in the 53rd minute and doubled their advantage three minutes later. Barry John Keane went for goal when a point was on and, despite a Barry John Walsh 58th-minute point, Tipperary held out for a historic night for football in the Premier County, who are managed by Kerry man John Evans.

TIPPERARY: K Kenrick; R Kiely, C McDonald, D Lynch; P O’Dwyer, J Coghlan, D O’Dwyer; A Moloney (0-2, one free), P Acheson; S Carey (0-2, frees), B O’Brien (1-0), A Matassa; C Sweeney (0-1, free), B O’Meara, M O’Dwyer. Subs: S Egan (0-2) for B O’Meara (half-time); T Hanley for B O’Brien (50 mins).

KERRY: T Mac an tSaoir; P Crowley, K O’Connor, B McGuire; P O’Connor, B Shanahan, J Lyne; J Buckley, E Walsh (0-1); P O’Donoghue, BJ Keane (0-2, frees), M Geaney; D Casey, BJ Walsh (0-1, free), P Geaney (1-1). Subs: P Curtin (0-1) for P ODonoghue (36 mins); G O’Keefe for M Geaney (48 mins).

Referee: C Lane (Cork).

Tipperary’s Record in Munster U-21 FC Finals

1964 Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 1-2

1965 Cork 2-14 Tipperary 1-6

1986 Cork 0-8 Tipperary 0-7

1987 Kerry 0-7 Tipperary 0-7

Replay – Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 1-11

1998 Kerry 3-10 Tipperary 1-11

2007 Cork 3-19 Tipperary 3-12

2008 Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 2-7

2009 Cork 1-9 Tipperary 2-5

2010 Tipperary 1-7 Kerry 1-6

Match Coverage

Munster U-21 Football Final coverage – Radio Kerry (http://www.radiokerry.ie) will provide live commentary of the full game with coverage starting at 7:05pm – throw-in at 7:30pm. Tipp FM (http://www.tippfm.com) won’t be covering the match live but will have live updates throughout the evening.

Fixture Details

Cadbury Munster Under 21 Football Championship Final
Kerry vs. Tipperary
At Austin Stack Park Tralee @ 7:30pm
Referee: Conor Lane (Cork)

Team News

The Tipperary team named to play Kerry in the Munster U-21 football final on Wednesday, March 31st at Austin Stack Park, Tralee shows no changes from the team that started against Limerick in the semi-final. The team is:

TIPPERARY U21F v Kerry – Kieran Kenrick (Moyle Rovers); Robbie Kiely (Arravale Rovers), Ciaran McDonald (Aherlow – Captain), Donal Lynch (Commercials); Padraig O’Dwyer (Eire Óg-Annacarty), John Coghlan (Moyne-Templetuohy), Dara Dwyer (Moyle Rovers); Alan Moloney (Rockwell Rovers), Peter Acheson (Moyle Rovers), Sean Carey (Moyle Rovers), Bernard O’Brien (Aherlow), Gavin Ryan (Rockwell Rovers); Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen), Brian O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs), Michael O’Dwyer (Arravale Rovers)

KERRY U-21F vs. Tipperary – 1.Tomas Mac an tSaoir An Ghaeltacht (Captain) 2. Peter Crowley Laune Rangers 3. Kieran O’Connor Listowel Emmetts 4. Brian McGuire Listowel Emmetts 5. Padráig O’Connor Legion 6. Barry Shanahan Austin Stacks 7. Jonathan Lyne Legion 8. Johnny Buckley Dr. Crokes 9. Edmond Wash Knocknagoshel 10.Paul O’Donoghue St. Marys 11. Barry John Keane Kerins O’Rahillys 12. Mikey Geaney Dingle 13. Daithí Casey Dr. Crokes 14. Barry John Walsh Kerins O’Rahillys 15. Paul Geaney Dingle
Fir Ionaid: Brian Kelly Legion, Colm Moriarty Dingle,Patrick Curtin Moyvane, Denis McElligott Austin Stacks,  Philip Galvin Ballymacelligott, Ian Somers Currow,Seán Walsh Cromane, George O’Keeffe Rathmore, James O’Donoghue Legion

Competition to date

CADBURY MUNSTER GAA FOOTBALL UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 SCOREBOARD

Quarter Finals

@ Cooraclare

Limerick 1-10 – E. O’Connor 0-5: C. Joyce-Power 1-1: S. O’Carroll 0-2: T. McMahon 0-1: E. Joy 0-1

Clare 0-10 – G. Leahy 0-5: S. Brennan 0-2: P. McMahon 0-2: M. Malone 0-1

@ Austin Stack Park, Tralee

Kerry 0-19  – BJ. Keane 0-7: BJ. Walsh 0-4: P. Geaney 0-4: J. O’Donoghue 0-3: P. O’Donoghue 0-1

Cork 1-8 – B. O’Driscoll 1-2: C. Sheehan 0-2: J.P. Murphy 0-1: J. Sexton 0-1: E. Keane 0-1: M. Collins 0-1

Semi Finals

 @ Semple Stadium, Thurles

Tipperary 0-16 – S. Carey 0-7: C. Sweeney 0-3: B. O’Brien 0-3: P. Acheson 0-2: G. Ryan 0-1

Limerick 2-5 – E. O’Connor 0-4: D. Ward 1-0: J. O’Riordan 1-0: S. O’Carroll 0-1

@ Fraher Field, Dungarvan

Kerry 1-18 – P. Geaney 1-5:BJ. Walsh 0-4: BJ. Keane 0-3: J. Lyne 0-1: J. Buckley 0-1: J. O’Donoghue 0-1: D. Casey 0-1: E. Walsh 0-1: P. Curtin 0-1

Waterford 0-3 A Brophy 0-3

TOP SCORERS

P. Geaney Kerry 1-9

B.J.Keane Kerry 0-10

E. O’Connor Limerick 0-9

B.J. Walsh Kerry 0-8

S. Carey Tipperary 0-7

G. Leahy Clare 0-5

B. O’Driscoll Cork 1-2

Useful Information

The 2010 Cadbury Munster Under 21 Football Championship was launched on Monday March 1st at the Mallow GAA Complex.

Munster Under 21 Football Finals

1962 @ Kenmare Kerry 2-7 Cork 1-4

1963 @ Clonakilty Cork 2-3 Kerry 1-4

1964 @ Kilmallock Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 1-

1965 @ Castletownroche Cork 2-14 Tipperary 1-6

1966 @ Cork Ath. Grounds Kerry 3-8 Cork 0-14

1967 @ Listowel Kerry 2-12 Clare 1-7

1968 @ Kilrush Kerry 5-7 Clare 2-9

1969 @ Killarney Cork 1-14 Kerry 1-11

1970 @ Buttevant Cork 5-12 Clare 1-7

1971 @ Fermoy Cork 1-10 Waterford 2-5

1972 @ Killarney Kerry 1-11 Cork 2-7

1973 @ Skibbereen Kerry 2-12 Cork 1-12

1974 @ Cahirciveen Cork 3-5 Kerry 1-10

1975 @ Killorglin Kerry 0-17 Waterford 1-5

1976 @ Dingle Kerry 2-16 Cork 1-6

1977 @ P. Ui Chaoimh Kerry 2-8 Cork 0-8

1978 @ Killarney Kerry 0-14 Cork 0-9

1979 @ Limerick Cork 1-11 Clare 1-9

1980 @ Bruff Cork 3-15 Clare 0-4

1981 @ Tralee Cork 0-11 Kerry 0-5

1982 @ P.Ui Chaoimh Cork 2-12 Kerry 0-4

1983 @ Castleisland Kerry 1-10 Cork 0-12

1984 @ Askeaton Cork 1-18 Limerick 0-4

1985 @ Tralee Cork 1-18 Clare 1-7

1986 @ Clonmel Cork 0-8 Tipperary 0-7

1987 @ Tralee Kerry 0-7 Tipperary 0-7 Draw

@ Clonmel Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 1-11 Replay

1988 @ Cooraclare Kerry 0-14 Clare 2-6

1989 @ Limerick Cork 3-15 Clare 1-7

1990 @ Tralee Kerry 2-9 Cork 0-9

1991 @ P. Ui Chaoimh Kerry 1-8 Cork 0-10

1992 @ Tralee Kerry 3-12 Cork 1-8

1993 @ Waterford Kerry 1-21 Waterford 3-5

1994 @ Dungarvan Cork 2-11 Waterford 0-4

1995 @ Killarney Kerry 1-21 Waterford 2-5

1996 @ Tralee Kerry 3-14 Clare 0-6

1997 @ Tralee Kerry 2-11 Cork 3-8 Draw

@ Pairc Ui Rinn Kerry 0-12 Cork 1-7 Replay

1998 @ Tralee Kerry 3-10 Tipperary 1-11

1999 @ Tralee Kerry 1-10 Cork 0-7

2000 @ Dungarvan Limerick 0-7 Waterford 0-4

2001 @ Kilmallock Cork 1-12 Limerick 0-8

2002 @ Ennis Kerry 3-15 Clare 2-11

2003 @ Waterford Waterford 2-8 Kerry 1-9

2004 @ Tralee Cork 0-13 Kerry 0-12

2005 @ Limerick Cork 1-14 Limerick 1-11

2006 @ Pairc Ui Rinn Cork 4-14 Waterford 1-6

2007 @ Limerick Cork 3-19 Tipperary 3-12

2008 @ Ardfinnan Kerry 0-15 Tipperary 2-7

2009 @ Thurles Cork 1-9 Tipperary 2-5

MUNSTER UNDER 21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROLL OF HONOUR

• Kerry (25)

1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1983, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2008

• Cork (21)

1963, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1994,

2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009

• Waterford (1)

2003

• Limerick (1)

2000

MUNSTER UNDER 21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP LIST OF WINNING TEAMS

Click here to view the list of Munster Under 21 Football Championship winning teams since 1962

UNDER 21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SNIPPETS

• Kerry and Cork have dominated this competition and only once in the history of the championship were one or both counties not involved in the final. That was in 2000 when Limerick played Waterford in the Final in Dungarvan with Limerick lifting the crown for the first and only time on a 0-7 to 0-4 scoreline.

• For the record Cork have appeared in 34 finals: Kerry in 32 finals: Tipperary in 9 finals: Clare in 10 finals:

Waterford in 7 finals and Limerick in 4 finals

• Only 2 Finals have been drawn. The 1987 final between Kerry and Tipperary played in Tralee finished level, 0-7 each and in the replay in Clonmel victory went to Kerry on a 0-15 to 1-11 scoreline. The 1997 final between Cork and Kerry also finished all square, Kerry 2-11 Cork 3-8, in Tralee with victory going to the Kerry side in the replay at Pairc Ui Rinn on a 0-12 to 1-7 scoreline

• Munster Under 21 Football Cup –  Corn na Cásca presented by the Munster Council in 1966 to commemorate the jubilee of the 1916 Rising.

• In Under 21 Football All Ireland Roll of Honour Cork have won 11 Titles and Kerry have 10 Titles to their credit.

Cork were All Ireland Under 21 Champions in 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1994, 2007, 2009.

Kerry titles were won in 1964, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2008

Cadburys Sponsorship

Cadbury have sponsored the championship since 2005 and are delighted to announce a number of new initiatives aimed at further rewarding GAA players and supporters across the island of Ireland.

“Shout For Your County”:

Earlier this month Cadbury launched its first in-store activity to support the sponsorship with their “Shout for Your County” promotion asking the Irish public to show their support for their county to be in with a chance to win €1000 or a top class training session for their county team. There’s €1000 up for grabs in each of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland meaning a total of €32,000 will be given out by the end of the promotion. The promotion is supported by a large scale media campaign and experiential activity.

Online interaction

This season Cadbury has introduced a greater level of on-line interactivity for the U21 Championship which will allow fans and media to keep up to date with the latest news, fixtures and results.

To mark the 2010 season Cadbury are asking fans who they think have been the best U21 players of the past five years. Fans can simply log on to www.cadburygaau21.com and vote for their players to make up the Cadbury 15. At the end of this year’s Championship Cadbury will reveal the 15 players who receive the most votes and make the cut to be on the Cadbury 15!’

Additional elements have been added to the website, www.cadburygaau21.com, include an enhanced video and photo gallery section. Fans can contribute their own comments and add their own content via the website, through the championship Twitter channel, http://twitter.com/CadburyU21 and or by becoming a fan through the Facebook fan page. A Flickr page, www.flickr.com/photos/cadburyu21football, has also been created which allows fans to view a selection of photos from the previous seasons.

Cadbury Hero of the Future Awards

The Cadbury Hero of the Future Award is selected by public voting on www.cadburygaau21.com and adjudication from Kildare Senior Footballer Dermot Earley, former Dublin Manager Paul Caffrey and TG4 journalist Micheal Ó Domhnaill. The winning player will win a holiday for himself, €1000 for his club and €1000 for his county board. Cadbury also offer each of the 15 Hero’s of the Match a training kit for their club.

PREVIOUS WINNERS WERE

2006: Keith Higgins from Mayo

2007: Fintan Goold from Cork

2008: Killian Young from Kerry

2009: Colm O’Neill from Cork