Blast from the Past. Walsh nets winner as Knockavilla pip Rathcoole in 2007 St Michael's Cup final.

Blast from the Past.

Big tackle. Barry Cullinane in the air as Rathcoole's Ger O'Connell slides in.

Walsh nets winner as Knockavilla pip Rathcoole in 2007 St Michael's Cup final.

Tussle. Knockavilla's Keith White (Left) tussles with Don Healy

Pics: 7th April 2007

ST MICHAEL’S CUP FINAL

Knockavilla Celtic 1 Rathcoole Rovers 0

A 9^th minute strike by midfielder Robbie Walsh gave Knockavilla Celtic a 1-0 win over Rathcoole Rovers in the final of the Murphy’s Stout St Michael's Cup, the knockout competition for AUL first division teams. Both sides were well supported at Turner’s Cross on Saturday night. Spirited skilful Rathcoole didn't let their fans down but, on the night, a physically stronger Knockavilla deserved to take their first ever AUL cup title.

Rathcoole, beaten in the 2004 final, responded well to the early setback but, for all their good passing and lively movement, failed to find a chink in the Celtic back four. Indeed, it was one of that quartet, Eddie O'Mahony, who had the next noteworthy shot on target.

That came in the 23^rd minute, after a Walsh corner had been half cleared. It broke to O’Mahony and his 16-yard shot on the turn, a powerful effort, was confidently claimed by keeper Donal O’Connell. Moments later, O’Connell was tested again, this time by a snap shot from 25 yards by Keith White, and again he reacted well to make the save.

Champions Knockavilla Celtic

Knockavilla finished the half strongly. In the 37^th minute, bustling striker John Paul O'Mahony collected a throw ball by partner Donal Collins but his shot from a narrow angle was deflected out for a flag kick. Brian McSweeney kicked it in and it broke to skipper Barry Cullinane but his volley was off target.

Barry Cullinane

Two minutes later, a throw-in by Keith White was headed on into the box by John Paul and he found Walsh but his header was too high. In the 40^th minute, a fine Celtic move found Collins and he neatly passed the ball over the top and into the path of Walsh but keeper O’Connell dived bravely at his feet to prevent the shot getting away.

Walsh had enough chances to end the game with a hat trick but, after that easy opener he was to be frustrated in front of goal. The trend continued into the second half. In the 50^th minute, he headed just over after a great cross by McSweeney. Moments later, Collins broke through for Celtic but, under pressure from the keeper and Tommy McAuliffe, he shot across the goal and just wide of the far post.

Rathcoole finally breached the Celtic defence in the 51st minute when midfielder Alan Guerin hit a fierce drive on the run and keeper Kristic needed two attempts to kill the danger. And captain Cullinane had to react quickly to block an 56th minute penalty box strike by Ger O’Connell.

Eyes Down. Rathcoole's Don Healy (right) and Brian McSweeney

In between, Denis O'Mahony sent John Paul away but his cross was headed over the bar by Walsh and, in the 61^st minute, Walsh was unlucky at the far post, unable to make firm enough contact with a cross by Collins, after good work by John Paul and McSweeney.

Rathcoole battled to the end and had their best chance in the 78^th minute when Tadhg Brown let fly. Kristic parried but neither of two incoming forwards could finish it off. A few minutes later, Kristic stretched to tip over a curling free by Don Healy and soon Celtic were able to celebrate.

Legs Around. Rathcoole's Don Healy tackles Keith White.

Knockavilla Celtic: Verden Kristic, Denis O’Mahony, Shane Fitzgerald, Barry Cullinane (captain), Eddie O'Mahony, Keith White, Robbie Walsh, Dermot Crowley, John Paul O'Mahony, Donal Collins and Brian McSweeney. Subs: Kevin Finn, Damien O’Riordan, Kevin O’Crualaoi, Dave Murphy and Martin O’Donovan.

Rathcoole Rovers; Donal O’Connell, Tommy McAuliffe, Hugh Sheehan (captain), Kevin Healy, Tim Cleary, John Browne, Don Healy, Alan Guerin, Mike Cashman, Tadhg Browne and Ger O’Connell. Subs: Liam Healy, Paul Cooney, Adrian Nash, Vincent Browne and Daniel Guerin.

Referee: Frank Murphy. Assistants: Sean Barry and Christy Byrne.