Crosshaven Win All Ireland Junior Cup

The All Ireland Junior Cup heads South for the first time after Crosshaven defeated Monivea 17-9 at Templeville Road.

Crosshaven 17, Monivea 9.

A dramatic finish at Templeville Road which saw Crosshaven score a penalty and try in the final three minutes to win the game.

Crosshaven made a great start with their pack in total control. Merle O’Connell and Darren O’Shea were dominating the line out and Jake Grey, Rob Barry and Michael Buckley on top in the loose.

Monivea took the lead after seven minutes when out half Gerard O’Connor put them ahead with a penalty.

Crosshaven’s domination resulted in Liam Delaney kicking penalties on fifteen, twenty five and thirty five minutes for a 9-3 interval lead. O’Connor had a chance to reduce the deficit with a penalty on the stroke of half time but was off target.

O’Connor closed the gap a minute into the second half with his second penalty and had the sides level with his third penalty on fifty eight minutes.

With extra time looming Crosshaven went back in front with a penalty two minutes from time from substitute Paul Memory. Darren O’Keeffe ensured victory with a try in the final minute of the game.

Scorers Crosshaven: Darren O’Keeffe try, Liam Delaney 3 pens, Paul Memory pen.
Monivea: Gerard O’Connor 3 pens.

Crosshaven: Cian McGovern; Bobby Rodgers, Ross O’Connell, Andrew Lane, Darren O’Keeffe; Liam Delaney, Paul Cogan; Jake Grey, Rob Hoffler, Bryan Murphy; Merle O’Connell, Darren O’Shea; Eamon Ring, Michael Buckley, Rob Barry.Replacements: Gary Fitzgibbon, Donogh Murphy, Paul Memory, David Tipping, Rob Savage, Kenny Donovan, Chris Kearney.

Monivea: John Culkin; Colm Neary, Fergal O’Neill, David Pryor, Gerard Devilly; Gerard O’Connor, Martin King: Cathal Devilly, Bernard Ryan, Gerard Fitzmaurice; Conor Kindregan, Brian Murphy; Pat Fitzmaurice, Kieran Concarr, Eoin Rooney.

Referee: Mark Patton (IRFU).