Sunday, December 3

KIRBY’S FREE KICK PROVES DECISIVE

KIRBY’S FREE KICK PROVES DECISIVE

SFAI U15 Boys INTER LEAGUE

Clare (1) 2

Limerick Desmond (0) 3 (Ben Hough, Brooklyn Delahunty, Michael Kirby)

It was three points at the first time of asking for the Limerick Desmond U15s with a come from behind victory at a windy Lees Road Astro in Clare last Sunday. We went behind half way through the first half when the Clare striker ran onto a through ball and slotted passed keeper Zach Bennis. It was nearly one all when Tiarnan Kelly brought the ball down the right and crossed to Eamon O’Sullivan who in turn found the overlapping left back Aaron Murphy whose shot was well saved by the Clare keeper. Half time came with Clare a goal to the good.

The second half started with a flurry as management rang the changes with strikers Brooklyn Delahunty and Dylan Buckley entering the fray as well as defender Ben Hough. It was Buckley who was fouled on the left wing and Hough who took the free kick which sailed over the goalkeeper. A first inter league goal for the Creeves Celtic player and one that was richly deserved. We took the lead eight minutes later when Delahunty turned and beat his man on the edge of the box before firing a low drive into the bottom corner of the Clare net.

Clare then responded and got a goal of their own to make it two all and it was most certainly game on. However, it was Limerick Desmond who would have the final say. A strong run from midfield by Conor Donovan ended in him being fouled on the edge of the box a free kick in a dangerous position. Up stepped dead ball expert Michael Kirby and the Shountrade player made no mistake with a ferocious free kick into the bottom corner to ensue great celebrations on the side line.

It took some fine last ditch defending thanks to Cian Barry and Ben Hough at the back awhile keeper Zach Bennis saving a last minute free kick. There was still time for a last ditch corner which was dealt with by the defence with Matthew Walshe to thank for a goal line clearance. The defending All Ireland Champions held on for what was a deserved victory in Clare.

Player of the match: Cian Barry

Limerick Desmond: Zach Bennis, Ryan Foley (c), Cian Barry, Alex Smith, Aaron Murphy, Eoin Hennessy, Rowan Collins, John Ross O’Reilly, Thomas McMahon, Tiarnan Kelly, Eamon O’Sullivan. Subs used Brooklyn Delahunty, Dylan Buckley, Ben Hough, Mikolaj Pater, Michael Kirby, Matthew Walshe, Conor Donovan, Charlie McCarthy. Also, Andrew Johnson (injured)