Blast from the Past. First half heroics put Ballyphehane on the way to Linnane final win over Kinsale. 30.11.2007

Blast from the Past. 

Raindrops. Celtic's Danny Long (left) and Derek McCarthy clash.

First half heroics put Ballyphehane on the way to Linnane final win over Kinsale. 

Pics: 30.11.2007

LINNANE LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Ballyphehane Celtic 2 Kinsale 1

Linnane winners: Ballyphehane Celtic

Ballyphehane Celticís Trevor Dunlea is noted for the menace of his dead ball delivery, particularly from corner kicks, a reputation that was enhanced at Turnerís Cross last evening when Dunlea corners, in the 59th and 62nd minutes, led to the goals that gave Dave OíMahonyís southsiders victory in the Murphyís Stout Linnane League Cup final for the second year in a row.

Ballyphehane skipper Alan O'Mahony receives the Linnane League Cup from Martin Conlon (AUL).

Defender John Paul Heffernan took advantage of the first to fire in the equaliser and then Man of the Match Will Ahern was on hand to blast in the winner. Kinsale had played with the rain and the wind in the first half and led 1-0 at the break but couldnít hold out in a second half that saw Ballyphehane on top from start to finish. Kinsale's attempts at equalising were sporadic and, in the closing stages, a Ballyphehane score was the more likely.

Matchcard

It was tremendous match by two of the best teams in the AUL, the football of a very high standard despite the driving rain and a pitch that was absolutely brilliant at the start but which cut up as the water bucketed down on a cold night at The Cross.

The rain beats down as Kinsale's Michael Ahern takes on Gerry Murphy(right) and Aidan Callanan.

Kinsale in many people's minds would have been the slight favourites to take the trophy and they had the elements to their backs in the first half. The seasiders made the better start but it was Celtic who created the first chance of note.

Catch me! Matchwinner Will Ahern's celebratory run. 

That came in the 17th minute when Ahern's great control and slide rule pass placed Trevor Dunlea but he blasted well over. In the 40th minute, Aidan Callanan had a close range shot saved by the advancing keeper, again after some great play by Aherne.

Kinsale's Steve O'Donovan (left) and Keith Gahan in the rain at Turner's Cross.

Kinsale though had taken the lead in between, The deadly duo of Derek McCarthy and Derek Varian responsible. In the 31st minute, McCarthy got the striker away and his strong shot went to the back of the net though keeper Alan Crowley did get a hand to it.

Clash. Kinsale's Michael Ahern (left) and Danny Long.

The half ended with a firm header by Kinsaleís Jeremy OíDonovan well held by Crowley but the seasiders hadnít created enough chances and the one goal would not be enough.

Celtic's Will Ahern (nearest camera) celebrates his winner.

Celtic were level in the 59th minute when Dunleaís cross was finished off form close range by John Paul Heffernan. Three minutes later, another Dunlea corner broke in the box and, after beckoning a colleague to get out of the way, Ahern drove home the winner from 16 yards.

Equaliser. Ballyphehane's John Paul Heffernan, on ground, sees his shot fly in to make it 1-1.

Kinsale tried hard after that but could manage only a couple of long range efforts. Celtic could have added to their lead in the closing minutes when Trevor Dunlea went close with a diving header. A goal would have been nice for the outstanding Celtic midfielder but his two corners produced a rich harvest and soon a thanksgiving party started in the suburb. 

UFO. Celtic's Danny Long, under pressure from Stephen O'Donovan (left) and Ben Ryan. 

Ballyphehane Celtic: Alan Crowley, Jonathan Murphy, Gerry Murphy, Alan O'Mahony captain, John Paul Heffernan, Danny Long, Trevor Dunlea, Aidan Callanan (Johnny Towler 76), Wayne Dunlea (Stephen Buckley 85), Keith Gahan (Gary OíShea 61) and Will Ahern.

Kinsale: Brendan Hurley, Florence Lynch, Ben Ryan, Michael Ahern (Daniel Meade 57), Sean Foran, Gearoid Cummins, Jeremy OíDonovan, Derek McCarthy captain, Sean Prior (Danny Searls 76), Stephen OíDonovan and Derek McCarthy.

Referee: John Thompson. Assistants: Stephen OíConnell and Richie Murphy.

Eyes Down. Celtic's Trevor Dunlea getting away from Gearoid Cummins.

AFTER THE GAME

Dave O'Mahony, the Ballyphehane Celtic manager, reckoned his side had done the hard work before the break: ìWe put in a tremendous first half display, playing against the strong wind, the rain. I didn't think Kinsale deserved to get the goal. But I spoke to our fellows at half-time. Iím told them to take it easy, to play their own game and that the goal would come. It would be pointless to play the long ball ñ theyíve got some big boys back there.î

 ìI told them to keep it down, to play it on the ground and the goal would come. And then the two came together. The attitude out there was very good and has been in the last couple of games. And the football was very good as well, from both sides, in the shocking conditions. I thought Gerry Murphy at left full played an outstanding game and so did John Paul at centrehalf. Those two stood out for me but the whole team put in a  brilliant performance.

Heffo Heaven. Celtic's John Paul Heffernan (highest) celebrates equaliser.

ìAnd there is lot of promise there for the rest of the season. This is a good group, they are all friends, play and train and hang around together and we have good players all the way through the park. There could be another one or two trophies there this season and we are still in the FAI Junior Cup.î

Barry McGovern, the Kinsale manager, agreed it was a good competitive game in the adverse conditions. He was naturally disappointed but didn't forget to congratulate Ballyphehane saying the better team won. 

Heading on. Kinsale's Derek McCarthy (left) and Keith Gahan.

He was disappointed with the defending before the goals, particularly the equaliser, and thought that their failure to get enough good ball to the feet of dangerman Derek Varian was a factor in the defeat. He knows though it is early days yet and expects Kinsale to come good in terms of trophies before the season is out.

The Gary McCarthy Man of the Match award went to Celtic striker Will Ahern. He put in a tremendous match, raiding left, right and through the middle. He made chances but it was the one he emphatically took that made it 2-1 to Celtic and gave them the Linnane for the second season in a row.

Kinsale played well but lost at The Cross

End of story