Fionn steers Tramore to brilliant cup final triumph
Tramore AFC celebrate after defeating Hibs in the final of the U-13C Cup at Graun Park. Photos: Paul Elliott.
Tramore proved to be too strong for a gallant Portlaw United in the final of the U-13C Joe Delaney Cup at Graun Park on Saturday.
Fionn McCarthy Kelleher was the man of the match as he hit a wonderful hat-trick to secure victory for the young seagulls. Portlaw gave it their best shot, however they came up against a very strong Tramore that took the cup with a comfortable win.
The scoring started after only five minutes of play. Daniel Roche took control of a long pass from Theo Stamper and the winger raced away down the right, he stepped inside the Portlaw defence before slipping the ball past the advancing Portlaw keeper Evan Murphy.
A minute later it was 2-0. Fionn McCarthy Kelleher beat the offside trap and from a wide position he cut in before finding the net in off the far post.
On eight minutes it was 3-0. Jack Crowley weaved his way past three Portlaw defenders and he shot low and hard into the far corner of the net giving Portlaw keeper Evan Murphy no chance.
On 22 minutes Tramore went close to increasing their lead as Daniel Roche fired in a 20 yards free kick that forced keeper Evan Murphy into a fine diving save.
One minute later it was 4-0. Fionn McCarthy Kelleher raced onto a pass from Jack Crowley, the striker took the ball past the advancing keeper and from a tight angle he managed to find the back of the net.
It was 5-0 on 24 minutes. Sean Bagnell took the ball down the right wing and he cut inside the Portlaw defence, the goalkeeper raced from his line but Bagnell held his nerve before firing a powerful shot high into the net.
Into the second-half and Portlaw pulled a goal back on 36 minutes. Tramore defender Samuel Delaney was fouled in the box and referee Damian Kelly pointed to the spot, up stepped Mark Murphy and the Portlaw man found the net with a powerful spot-kick.
This was much better from Portlaw as they pushed forward and they were more competitive in midfield. Tramore were back in scoring form on 42 minutes as Fionn McCarthy Kelleher completed his hat-trick. The striker raced across the box before finding the net with a right foot finish.
Sean Bagnell hit goal number seven on 51 minutes. Austin Flavin supplied the cross and Bagnell was on hand to score at the far post. Mary Ray presented Tramore captain Charlie Mahon with the Joe Delaney Cup after the game.
Chris Mahon, Alex Lawerance, Luke McCusker, Daniel Wardrop, Austin Flavin, Tadhg Reville, Rory O’Connor, Szymon Waszkiewiez, Theo Stamper, Jack Crowley, Fionn McCarthy Kelleher, Daniel Roche, Sean Bagnell, Dylan Flynn, Muraza Hadi.
Evan Murphy, Dean O’Driscoll, Harry Flannery, Alex O’Driscoll, Mark Murphy, John Ross, Darragh Long, Harry Boyle, Senan Reade, Nicky Tobin, Samuel Delaney, Sophie Grace, Darragh O’Connor, James O’Regan, Colm Nugent, Gearoid Kinsella.
Damian Kelly. Assisted by Owen Tubbritt and Noel Lavery.
