Munster Junior Cup 2013/14

Kerry Area Cup Final ,
17th November 2013
Killarney Celtic 2-1 St Brendans Park

By Tommy Naughton

A late Peter McCarthy goal secured Kerry Area Cup Munster Junior Cup success for Killarney Celtic yesterday afternoon. McCarthy’s goal proved the difference in a tight affair between the Denny Premier A big two and ensured Celtic will represent Kerry in the Munster Junior Cup.

With both teams putting pressure on the opposition all over the pitch it took 12 minutes before any chance was created.

PA McGrath found Gintarus Paketarus making his way into the box, the number 11 dummied to shoot, beat the defender before forcing jamie kelly into making the first save of the game.

McGrath was causing problems for Park and after 15 minutes forced Kelly to save again. Paketarus tested the keeper once more as Celtic dominated slightly.

Celtic’s first chance came on the half hour mark when Fergal Maunsel played Mike Conway in but his low shot only found the side netting and the tie remained deadlocked.

A brilliant run from park’s David Courtney then lead to a corner, which subsequently lead to the to the opening goal, but for Celtic not Park

Peter McCarthy was feed early on half way and broke toward goal, he delivered a low cross which Graham O Leary could only deflect onto his own post and Gintarus Paketarus was the quickest to react, giving Celtic the lead by converting the rebound.

The Park had a chance to level matters in the first half, but Anthony Murphy couldn’t head Fiachra Dunne’s long ball over the advancing keeper Kelliher.

St Brendan’s did finally draw level, but had to wait until the hour mark to restore parity and again it was break away effort.

Celtic broke down field from another Park corner, but a last ditch tackle from Graham O Leary sent the Park on their own counter attack . Mike Conway was played in with a long ball over the top down the right wing and his first time low cross was turned into his own net by David O Sullivan, who was under extreme pressure form two park players .

The Park were now well on top and David Courtney shot over the bar was the closest they got to going ahead. Tensions rose as did the amount of tackles as both sides went for the win.

Jamie Kelly had to be alive again to save from Peter McCarthy, before opposite number Roy Kelliher was called into action going full stretch to save from Fergal Maunsel.

Celtic’s David Hayes was then lucky to see yellow not red when he pulled back Mike Conway as the game entered the last quarter. Murphy had a chance to secure the win with just 15 minutes left but scuffed a Conway’s cross wide as the game opened up.

Paketarus was again thwarted Kelly to again save and the game looked destined for extra time, before McCarthy headed home with just six minutes remaining.

Jamie Spillane chipped a dead ball into the box , Kelly Keeper called and came to collect but was beaten to it by Peter McCarthy who headed the ball over the advancing keeper and into the empty net .

The Park pushed everything forward in the remaining minutes but were unable to create any clear chances with Celtic sitting back and happy to wait for the final whistle which came after four minutes of injury time .

After the match Kerry District League secretary praised both teams on the quality they have shown in the match and in recent years before presenting the trophy to Celtic Captain Brian Spillane .

Celtic will be delighted with the victory and claiming the first trophy of the season in Kerry . Both teams attention will now turn to next weekend when the are in FAI junior Cup 4th Round action with a place in the open draw last 64 at stake .

Killarney Celtic: Roy Kelliher , David O Sullivan , David Hayes , Brian Spillane , John McDonagh, Peter McCarthy , Jamie Spillane , Gary Keane , Pa McGrath , Robert Watson, Gintarus Paketarus . Subs Stephen Hayes for Robert Watson , Kevin Breen , Alex Courtney .

St Brendans Park: Jamie Kelly , Fiachra Dunne , Con Barrett , Paudie Bailey, Graham O Leary , David Courtney, David Rogers , Mark O Sullivan , Mike Conway, Fergal Maunsel , Antony Murphy .Subs; David Magee for Antony Murphy , Jesse O Sullivan for Graham O Leary .